The Indianapolis Colts seemed to be in a state of turmoil as the month began.
Carson Wentz was ruled out with a foot injury that required surgery and soon after, star guard Quenton Nelson went out with the exact same issue.
Both were given a recovery timetable of anywhere from five to 12 weeks.
Returning for Week 1 was the best-case scenario, but conversations immediately popped up about what quarterback would replace Wentz for the start of the year.
It turns out the best-case scenario is playing out, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
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
Both Wentz and Nelson are reportedly on track to be ready to start the season.
Even if they have to miss just Week 1, that is a huge victory for the Colts.
Early Sigh Of Relief
Knowing Wentz is on this track means the Colts don’t have to think about swinging a trade or signing a veteran.
Carson Wentz out here at Colts camp. No boot on foot. No limp I can detect. pic.twitter.com/Hfj6qNsvsQ
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) August 10, 2021
They can cross that bridge if they need to later on in the year, given how Wentz holds up.
But assuming he returns at full strength, the in-house options of Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger are fine to get the extra reps for now.
This totally eliminates the idea of bringing Philip Rivers back or swinging a trade for Nick Foles.
Of course, plenty can change in any injury recovery.
Yet the Colts, and their fans, have to be thrilled with this news.
On The Clock
Week 1 for the Colts is a home matchup against the Seattle Sehawks.
That game is not until September 12, so Wentz and Nelson still have a month to get ready.
So it turns out there is a benefit to an extended training camp.
The Colts will just have to prepare with Wentz as the starter without him doing too much physically on the field.
He will be in the meetings like normal and not playing in the preseason is not out of the ordinary because other NFL coaches are resting quarterbacks during the exhibition slate of games.
So the Colts are in a totally normal situation right now with Wentz.
Eason and Ehlinger getting all the preseason reps will only benefit the quarterback room moving forward.
The thing to remember is that the Colts do have outside options if there are any complications with Wentz.
Rivers remains intriguing, while Foles’ name will be in trade talks until the moment he is moved by the Chicago Bears.
A quarterback like Marcus Mariota stands out as a trade candidate as well.
For now, Colts fans can rejoice about this good news and take it a day at a time.
NEXT: 3 Goals In Mind For Indianapolis Colts In Preseason Opener