Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) stretches at the start of practice at Grand Park in Westfield on Thursday, July 29, 2021, on the second full day of workouts of this summer’s Colts training camp.
Colts Camp Revs Up
After losing Carson Wentz to a foot injury, the Colts are now down their All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson who will be out five-12 weeks.
After arriving to practice with a protective boot on his right foot, the Indianapolis Colts announced All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson will require surgery to repair his injury.
Head coach Frank Reich said the injury is a bone issue similar to what Carson Wentz experienced, however, this is an issue Nelson was born with that he aggravated during Monday’s practice vs. Wentz who had a previous injury. Both have a five-12 week recovery timeline.
Colts have been decimated by injuries to key players at the start of camp
After losing both their starting quarterback and star offensive lineman in a matter of days, the Colts will almost certainly make some moves to temporarily plug these holes.
This could lead Indianapolis pursuing the likes of Joe Dahl, Nick Easton or Kelechi Osemele to be the placeholder until Nelson returns.
Rumors of another quarterback reunion with Reich have also become very prevalent, as Nick Foles has been a name floated in rumors to be acquired and be the starter in Wentz’s absence.
Jacksonville Jaguars backup and one-time starter Gardner Minshew could be another option.
What will the Colts’ offense look like?
A reliance on the run game is more than likely what we will see from the Colts in the first few months of the season. With a backfield trio of Jonathan Taylor, Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines at their disposal, the passing game will likely take a backseat in the absence of Wentz.
That said, with Nelson on the shelf, it will be tougher to establish a run game without one of the best guards in football. Whoever is brought in to start at guard with Nelson sidelined, will have big shoes to fill.