Colts starting quarterback Carson Wentz's injury misfortune has continued already this season, with the former MVP candidate dealing with two sprained ankles, and possibly another week on the sidelines.
Wentz was able to practice some Friday, getting limited reps, and the Colts are holding out some hope that he will look good enough in pregame warmups to have a role Sunday. Still, this ankle issue is one that will have to be monitored for weeks to come, sources said.
Wentz was bent back very awkwardly, which resulted in considerable pain, during a Week 2 defeat and unable to practice most of this week. Sources said one of his sprains is of the high-ankle variety, which generally take at least a couple of weeks to heal, and Wentz has already been trying to make up for time in this new offense since being acquired in the offseason.
Wentz missed most of training camp and the preseason with a foot injury, which required surgery. He came back from that injury at the most optimistic part of the timeline, but has been knocked around early in the season and could not finish last week's loss to the Rams. Several sources indicated a two-week absence would not be out of the question whatsoever, even as he made some moderate strides late in the week after rest and rehab.
The Colts used youngster Jacob Eason to finish the loss, which included an ugly interception, and rotated quarterbacks in practice in preparation for Sunday's critical matchup with the rival Titans. Journeyman Brett Hundley received the bulk of the practice reps all week, sources said, and he is the most experienced option the Colts have at quarterback besides Wentz. Indianapolis dealt for Wentz this offseason -- he thrived with Colts head coach Frank Reich when both were in Philadelphia -- but his injury history certainly played a role in the deal.
The Eagles would receive the Colts' 2022 first-round pick if Wentz plays at least 75% of the Colts' snaps or if he plays 70% of their snaps and the team reaches the postseason. That is certainly in question already, with this injury likely to extend into next month. Wentz missed four games in 2020, had his season end after 11 games in 2018 and missed three games the season before that, with health concerns unfortunately a significant factor in his career thus far.
Wentz started all 16 games as a rookie in 2016 after the Eagles moved way up in the draft to select him, and he signed a massive contract a few years ago before his time in Philadelphia came to an ugly end.
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