According to NFL Insider Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts protected veteran quarterback Brett Hundley on the team’s practice squad on Tuesday—which prevents another NFL team potentially claiming and elevating him to their active 53-man roster:
Lot of teams protecting practice squad quarterbacks, including Brett Rypien (Broncos), Matt Barkley (Titans), Trace McSorley (Ravens), Brett Hundley (Colts), Nick Mullens (Browns), Reid Sinnett (Dolphins), Josh Johnson (Jets), Kyle Shurmur (Washington)
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 21, 2021
(Hundley was reportedly protected along with wide receiver DeMichael Harris).
Normally, I wouldn’t even bother writing such a piece, but with Carson Wentz’s status uncertain with not one, but two sprained ankles—and there’s at least a decent chance that Hundley gets elevated to the Colts’ own 53-man active roster ahead of Sunday’s game.
In fact, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero even speculates that the Colts could go with Hundley over primary backup quarterback Jacob Eason in a pivotal divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans this weekend:
#Colts QB Carson Wentz was in a boot and riding around the facility on a scooter Monday, but he’ll test out his two sprained ankles Wednesday in hopes of playing. If Wentz can’t go against the #Titans, Indy has a decision to make. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/eGXeN1ITKx
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 21, 2021
However, I personally find that hard to believe, namely because Hundley only threw 12 passes all of preseason—while the Colts want to rightfully see what they have with Eason.
Now, should Eason flame out in convincing fashion on Sunday, then yeah, I think Hundley could be brought in relief as a veteran band-aid, who can maybe keep the Colts in the game—although that’s probably wishful thinking in itself.
Eason has thrown 5 career passes to his name, but still has a big arm and theoretically, some potential as a developing, young passer.
Meanwhile, Hundley last started in 2017, when he made 9 starts for the Green Bay Packers. He has completed 199 of 337 passes (59.1%) for 1,902 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions during 18 career games (9 starts) in his 7-year NFL career. He also has some mobility to his game with a 6.7 yards per carry career average and 2 rushing touchdowns:
Fox on new #Packers QB Brett Hundley: “He’s got good mobility. He’s got good arm strength. He’s got all the physical tools. Now it’s just a matter of getting playing time with the guys around you.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 8, 2017
The Colts could probably use some added mobility behind what’s been a surprisingly porous offensive line in pass protection (that goes well beyond their left tackle woes).
That being said, the Colts are clearly in trouble if they’re in fact without Wentz in a battle on the road against the AFC South’s reigning champions and clear frontrunners to win the division right now.
Whether that’s Eason or Hundley as Wentz’s replacement, it really doesn’t matter—because the Colts’ chances of winning are significantly diminished.
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