Could Colts QB Carson Wentz be ready to start Week 1?
Carson Wentz's recent foot surgery has suddenly made the Indianapolis Colts one of the more interesting stories in football. Instead of going the traditional route and signing a veteran quarterback to play in Wentz's stead until he's healed and ready to go, they're letting their backups, Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger, compete for the temporary starting job.
But that job may end up being so temporary that it stops existing entirely. Some new media reports from Colts training camp indicate that Wentz is making great progress just a week after surgery.
Could Carson Wentz be ready to go by Week 1?
The team isn't revealing specific details about Wentz's progress since his foot surgery, but ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that things are going swimmingly.
Good vibes all around @Colts.
Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the backup role.
Yes, the backup role.
Carson Wentz trending to open the season as the starter with All-Pro G Quenton Nelson on same path after foot surgeries.
The Colts open season vs. Seahawks.— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 11, 2021
That jives with what The Athletic's Stephen Holder reported Tuesday from Colts camp, which is that Wentz is walking around without a boot or even a limp eight days after foot surgery.
Wentz was seen at practice Tuesday without any obvious limp or protection on his left foot that was surgically repaired just eight days ago. At the risk of reading too much into that minor development, Wentz being on his feet for the entirety of practice a week after surgery might be something hopeful for fans to hold onto.
With a 5-12 week recovery timeline (now down to 4-11 weeks), it was possible that Wentz could start Week 1. This report doesn't mean that it's more likely he'll be able to do that, but at least it's still an option.
The team's confidence in Wentz's healing abilities — presumably supported by his no-limp, no-boot appearance at camp — may be why they're fine letting the backup QBs compete for a starting position that may last 1-2 weeks at most, and why they haven't rushed out to sign or trade for a veteran backup to bridge the gap until Wentz is better.
Colts extend head coach, GM through 2026
The Colts are handling Wentz's injury using only in-house options, and though we don't have any idea how that will work out for them, team owner Jim Irsay is more than satisfied with how head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard are doing.
The team announced Wednesday that both Reich and Ballard have been given five-year contract extensions, meaning they'll be with the Colts through the 2026 season.
"In Chris Ballard and Frank Reich, we have as great a general manager-head coach combination as there is in the NFL, and I can't tell you how proud I am to have them leading our franchise," Irsay said in a statement. "I truly believe this football team is on the doorstep of great things, and that's because of the culture both have cultivated in their time with the Horseshoe. Whether we are marching toward the playoffs or facing adversity, whether we are building our roster or making a difference in the community, we have the ideal leaders in Chris and Frank."
Ballard has been with the Colts since early 2017. Reich was hired in 2018 just days after being part of the Philadelphia Eagles' first Super Bowl title as their offensive coordinator. Reich previously worked for the Colts from 2008-11 as an assistant coach, but was fired as part of a wholesale personnel house cleaning.
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