Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson could be on the field Week 1 or miss multiple games to open the Indianapolis Colts' 2021 campaign. The first test comes Monday.
Coach Frank Reich told reporters that the plan is for both starters to get in full-team sessions to determine how their feet hold up. Both Wentz and Nelson underwent foot surgery earlier this month.
"We've got to see how (Wentz) responds to going one day in team," Reich said, via George Bremer of the Herald Bulletin. "Then the next day will be a walk-through. So kind of give him and Quenton a chance to have a day there. Then we have a day in pads on Wednesday and then another shorter practice on Thursday.
"This will be a big week to determine where those two guys are, but they will be in team (drills). We'll see if they are limited or not or if they are full-go for every rep. We'll see how it goes during practice."
Nelson is eligible to participate after being activated Monday from the reserve/COVID-19 list, following five days of isolation after being ruled a high-risk close contact.
The QB and OG participated in individual drills last week -- before Nelson went on the COVID-19 list -- and Wentz did some 7-on-7 work. Indy had always pegged this week as critical for deciding whether Wentz and Nelson would be ready for Week 1 versus the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12.
The key will be how each responds after getting in a full day's work. Any swelling or discomfort could force the Colts to pull back on the starters, meaning they'd likely not be ready for the season opener.
If Wentz can't go, the Colts would start second-year QB Jacob Eason. The hope is the former Philadelphia Eagles QB will be ready. He reportedly looked good during practice last week. If he passes with flying colors this week, expect the 28-year-old to be under center Week 1.
