Colts' Quenton Nelson Poised for a Fully Healthy Season Ahead of Potential Free Agency

Quenton Nelson - SIC Score 94 

Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts is considered one of the top guards entering the 2022 season, according to Pro Football Focus, but he posted the worst PFF grade in his career last season, a 69.1 overall.

Injuries are to blame for the 17 percentage decrease in Nelson’s PFF grade since 2020. It all began with two undisclosed surgeries and one foot surgery this past offseason. 

During the regular season, the guard dealt with a back injury, a high ankle sprain that kept him out three weeks and two re-aggravations of the ankle sprain. He was limited to 13 games and was playing hurt for a majority of the season.

The injuries did not hold him back entirely: he still earned a spot in the Pro Bowl – though he did pull out to rehab his injuries. In addition to the back and ankle injuries, he also reportedly dealt with a knee and toe injury.

With the ability to fully recover from his nagging injuries, our team of Pro Football Docs are optimistic Nelson is going to be at full strength this year and continue to be an All-Pro first-team guard. 

While no one wants to see a star player get surgery, it is not always bad news. As our Docs explained, surgery can be a tool to get a player right and back in the best medical shape. Nelson should be in tip-top shape this season even if those two off-season surgeries are still a mystery.

In his four seasons, Nelson is a three-time All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowler. He has only allowed 4 sacks in his NFL career on 2,365 pass-blocking snaps — a statistic that helps to explain why ESPN ranks him as the No. 2 projected 2023 free agent, behind former MVP Lamar Jackson.

The loss of two offensive lineman this offseason caused PFF to drop Indianapolis to the second tier of offensive lines in the league. PFF does anticipate the group will finish higher with Matt Ryan as the new starting quarterback rather than Carson Wentz because of his better pocket awareness and ability to better navigate pass rushes.

Jonathan Taylor fantasy owners have no reason to worry. The running back will still be at the top of his position, especially with Nelson fully healthy.