According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts starting left tackle Eric Fisher is expected to make his Horseshoe debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams:
Big lift for Indy: #Colts LT Eric Fisher, whose recovery from a torn Achilles happened faster than anyone imagined, is expected to start Sunday vs. the #Rams, source said. The Pro Bowler debuts to protect Carson Wentz.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 19, 2021
Fisher’s return in 2021 from a late season torn Achilles suffered last year as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs is much earlier than anyone reasonably expected.
To be completely candid too, it couldn’t come at a better time for the Colts either, who fell to 0-1 after last week and will already be without starting stalwart right tackle Braden Smith on Sunday—and having a set of starting backup offensive tackles may have otherwise spelled disaster.
Last weekend’s fill-in starter at left tackle, Juli’en Davenport, struggled against the Seahawks’ pass rush, surrendering 6 QB pressures and 2.0 sacks (via PFF)—and was given a +52.9 overall grade (including a poor +35.5 pass blocking grade).
The Colts signed Fisher to a 1-year deal worth up to $9.4 million earlier this offseason.
Per PFF (subscription), the former 2013 #1 overall pick earned a +80.0 overall grade this past season in 15 starts for the Chiefs—featuring a +76.1 pass blocking grade, and protecting superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside in the process.
While the 2x NFL Pro Bowler was expected to eventually shore up the blindside in Indy (and do the same for the Colts’ Carson Wentz), his return was logically predicted closer to the beginning of October.
Instead, the Colts could have a major upgrade at the position as soon as Sunday—when their offensive line desperately needs the boost.
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