When the Indianapolis Colts came into the 2021 season with Jacob Eason as Carson Wentz’s backup, fans really had hoped the organization’s confidence in the former fourth-round pick was as true as can be.
Unfortunately, we learned this week that it is indeed not.
Wentz, who is dealing with two sprained ankles, was in danger of missing the team’s Week 3 game against the Tennessee Titans, but he was active on Sunday. However, before and after that news dropped, the writing seemed to be on the wall for Eason’s future in Indy.
On Thursday, it was reported quarterback Brett Hundley was elevated from the practice squad and took a majority of the first-team reps, even though it was suggested Eason would split time with the former Packers QB should Wentz not be able to suit up.
But then came the update on Sunday … and it’s clear Eason has swiftly fallen out of favor.
Gotta assume Eason is cut once Ehlinger is back from IR https://t.co/gBxyQOlZgU
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) September 26, 2021
What does Brett Hundley being Carson Wentz’s backup mean for Jacob Eason’s future?
Hundley was taking the second-team reps behind Wentz during warmups in Tennessee, which all but officially relegated Eason to third-string duties. So what are the Colts doing to do with him, especially when rookie QB Sam Ehlinger, who turned many heads in the preseason, returns from injured reserve in the near future as he recovers from his sprained knee?
It’s hard to envision the Colts carrying three quarterbacks with all these different profiles. Ehlinger, a rookie, is there to learn and develop. Wentz, though very good, is injury prone and has been unable to remain fully healthy for years. And Eason, a second-year quarterback who’s still not making enough strides to handle first-team responsibilities in the event Wentz has to miss time?
In addition to Carson Wentz, Colts QBs Brett Hundley and Jacob Eason both are active today.@JayGlazer says Hundley, not Eason, would enter if Wentz has to leave the game.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 26, 2021
It’s obvious which one of those guys has to go if keeping Hundley remains a priority for security purposes.
Perhaps the worst part about all of this is the fact Eason’s apparent struggles in practice against the Colts’ pass rush and secondary have forced the coaching staff’s hand. If he can’t show a semblance of progression in that kind of environment against a largely unimpressive unit through the first two weeks of the season, then there’s no reason for him to take up a roster spot.
Keep an eye out for a drastic decision to come once Ehlinger is ready to return.
Colts’ supposed QB plan for Sunday without Carson Wentz sounds mental
Colts quarterback Brett Hundley took the majority of the starter reps on Wednesday, leading some to believe that he and Jacob Eason will split time.