2 min read • August 14, 2021
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Indianapolis Colts
QB Carson Wentz -
The Colts’ new signal caller injured a small bone in his foot and, after initial confusion, decided to have surgery to remove it. That was a prudent call from our perspective since it will put the issue behind him. The team has given Wentz a 5-12 week return timeline, leaving the possibility of a Week 1 return. However, we doubt he will be ready by then. Our projection is a return this October. Early or late October is the question and that depends on swelling and recovery. It looks like the Colts will have to start the year with fourth round pick Jacob Eason, but at least it won't be the whole year. Wentz played 12 games for the Eagles last year, finishing with 2,620 passing yards, 16 TDs and 15 INTs.
Carson Wentz Update - 08/22
The Colts new quarterback is reportedly returning to practice after being sidelined with a foot injury. Of course it will be in limited capacity but this is certainly a step in the right direction after the bone excision surgery on his foot. If the Colts stick to the original plan of only playing Wentz if he's 100%, then he will not be the Week 1 starter with two weeks to go. There is no way Wentz can get to 100% if he is just returning to practice in limited fashion now. On the other hand, if the Colts decide a less than 100% Wentz is worth playing, then he will be the starter on opening day. At this point, it certainly looks like the timeline for recovery is on the shorter end, but it is still conceivable for him to miss starts in September and play in early October.
WR Parris Campbell -
The shifty wideout suffered a significant MCL/PCL injury in 2020 that cost him 14 games and landed him on the IR. The 24-year- old wideout had a rough 2019 as well. He played in just seven games that year after dealing with a hamstring issue in camp, a hernia injury at the beginning of the season and a hand fracture that cost him four games. Campbell ended the 2019 season on IR with a foot fracture, finishing with 127 yards and a TD on 18 catches. Campbell is ostensibly healthy to start the season, but will need time to round into form from his MCL/PCL injury.
WR Michael Pittman -
Pittman dealt with a scary compartment syndrome episode in his left leg/calf and missed three games before returning in Week 8. There should be no residual effects this year from the compartment syndrome episode. Pittman also suffered a concussion in Week 16, but that did not cause him to miss a game. The second round pick out of USC will look to build on a promising rookie season and strong playoff performance. He caught 40 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown in 13 regular season games. He also added five catches for 90 yards in the Colts’ lone playoff game.
OL Quenton Nelson-
Nelson has a similar issue as his QB and elected to have surgery. He has a similar recovery timeline, but based on position and style of play, Nelson should return before Wentz. Certainly this was a rare occurrence with two back-to-back foot issues rearing their ugly heads for Wentz and Nelson.
OL Eric Fisher -
The Colts’ new left tackle may not be ready for the start of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship game. Fisher missed the Super Bowl before being released and joined the Colts on a 1-year, $8.38 million deal. It would be a quick for Fisher to be ready for training camp, and it is medically impossible for him to be anywhere near 100%. One can have a great surgeon and work hard in rehab, but it is impossible to speed up biology. He starts camp on the PUP list and his absence could extend into the regular season. In the meantime, the Colts will have a tough time filling the void left by longtime LT Anthony Castonzo.
DL Kemoko Turay -
The fourth-year defensive lineman has dealt with a right ankle issue for multiple seasons now and began the 2020 season on the PUP list, missing the first six games. He also apparently had rehab issues due to COVID protocols. Turay initially suffered a right ankle fracture dislocation in 2019. He had surgery, but is still dealing with the after effects. Turay had another surgery on the ankle after the 2020 season. The ankle seemed to hobble him all last year, as he finished with just one sack and four combined tackles in seven games. This is his second season back from a major injury and his health should be much improved.
LB Darius Leonard -
The All-pro linebacker missed two games early last season due to a bothersome groin injury, but returned Week 8 and didn’t skip a beat. Leonard finished with another stellar season, recording three sacks and 132 combined tackles. The South Carolina State product just signed a 5-year, $99.25 million contract extension and is poised for a healthy season.
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