Will Colts QB Carson Wentz, play Sunday vs. Titans? Updates and fantasy implications

Maybe Carson Wentz’s kitchen sink treatment plan worked. After sitting out the previous two days with a pair of ankle injuries, the Colts QB surprisingly participated in Friday’s practice — keeping hope alive that Wentz will play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. The Colts listed Wentz as questionable and he will be a game-time decision, Colts coach Frank Reich told reporters.

On Sunday morning ESPN reported that Wentz is expected to start against the Titans in Week 3.

Carson Wentz (ankle) practices Friday

Wentz has been undergoing round-the-clock treatment in order to suit up, but playing Sunday would be a remarkable recovery just seven days after suffering not one but two ankle injuries in the Colts’ Week 2 loss to the Rams. He said the right ankle was the more serious injury, suggesting a high ankle issue.

Wentz told reporters Wednesday that he’s “throwing the kitchen sink” at his medical situation in an effort to be available for his team. He likely doesn’t want to feed into the narrative that his body simply cannot hold up physically to the rigors of the NFL.

Wentz added, “Each day, shoot, each couple hours it’s gotten better. We’ll see how it continues to progress, listen to the doctors, listen to my body and see where we’re at.”

Wentz has made it through a 16-game schedule just twice in his first five NFL seasons, and even as recently as Thursday, he seemed destined to make it two in six.

The former Philadelphia Eagles QB1 has missed games due to knee, back, and head injuries in the past. And things haven’t been any better in Indianapolis. Just days into training camp, part of the bone in his foot broke loose, leading to surgery and a five-week recovery. Wentz also spent time on the reserve/COVID-19 list this summer.

Jacob Eason or Brett Hundley will serve as the backup Sunday

If Wentz had been unable to go, the Colts have two unappealing options — Jacob Eason or Brett Hundley (or perhaps both). While Hundley isn’t even on the active roster, the seven-year veteran took the majority of first-team reps in practice Wednesday, according to NFL Network. The Colts activated Hundley from their practice squad on Saturday.

Wentz has 17,000+ passing yards, 116 touchdowns, 51 interceptions, and an 89.3 passer rating in his career. The Colts are 5-point road underdogs to a Titans team that rallied to beat the Seahawks in overtime in Week 2.

What does Carson Wentz playing mean for fantasy managers?

Analysis by Ben Rolfe.

Wentz became somewhat of a late-round fantasy football darling in drafts this year. The reuniting of Wentz with Reich, combined with a depression of his value due to a foot injury led fantasy managers to a potential golden situation where Wentz could be a value.

So far, so good. Through two weeks Wentz is averaging just under 18 fantasy points per game, despite missing time in Week 2. He currently ranks as QB16 heading into Week 3. Unfortunately, trusting Wentz in Week 3 is a risky proposition. While the Titans have a vulnerable defense, we have no idea how long he will be able to play in this game.

The Colts have to balance the short and long term with their QB. On one hand, they cannot really afford to drop to 0-3, but getting to 1-2 and losing Wentz is not an ideal outcome either. Therefore, they have to be cautious, and that makes it hard to start Wentz. If either the Colts or Titans are up big by half time, we could see Reich pull Wentz.

That concern extends to his receiving weapons. Starting any of them is risky this week not knowing who will be throwing them the ball later in the second half.