Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Next QB benched? Carson Wentz leaps Baker Mayfield as favorite

The first shoe has dropped in the NFL quarterback carousel, with the Pittsburgh Steelers turning the reins of their offense over to first-round rookie Kenny Pickett.

Carolina’s Baker Mayfield may have beaten Mitch Trubisky to the ignominious distinction of being the first NFL quarterback benched this season, if not for the Panthers’ simple lack of options.

With 2021 starter Sam Darnold “not close” to returning from a high-ankle sprain, according to coach Matt Rhule, and rookie Matt Corral (foot) out for the season, the only other quarterback on the roster is former XFL star P.J. Walker.

Mayfield opened as the +150 favorite by SportsBetting.ag on Tuesday to be the next starting quarterback benched, but he was quickly passed by another struggling veteran.

Washington is off to a 1-3 start under Carson Wentz, who is with his third team in as many seasons. Wentz has thrown for 1,031 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions through the first quarter of the season.

However, Wentz’s passer rating has declined each week, bottoming out at 58.4 in Sunday’s loss at Dallas in which he threw for 170 yards with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions.

The Commanders are already two games behind Dallas and the New York Giants, and three behind Philadelphia in the NFC East.

Washington coach Ron Rivera, who agreed to take on Wentz’s $28.3 million cap hit this season when acquiring the quarterback from Indianapolis, is on an increasingly hot seat himself. Wentz is Rivera’s sixth different starting quarterback in just three seasons, and the coach preached patience with the offense on Monday.

The Commanders have last year’s starter, Taylor Heinicke, along with fifth-round rookie Sam Howell on the roster.

Next Quarterback Benched Odds (non-injury related)
Player (Team) Opening Odds, Current
Carson Wentz (Commanders) +175, +125
Baker Mayfield (Panthers) +150, +175
Davis Mills (Texans) +700, +700
Justin Fields (Bears) +900, +900
Geno Smith (Seahawks) +1000, +1000
Marcus Mariota (Falcons) +1000, +1000
Matt Ryan (Colts) +900, +1200
Ryan Tannehill (Titans) +1100, +1200
Jared Goff (Lions) +2000, +2500

For the time being, it would appear to be a race between Wentz and Mayfield as there aren’t many logical replacements – or needs – for the other players being offered in the market.

–Houston is the lone remaining winless team in the league but Mills’ only backup is journeyman Kyle Allen.

–Fields has struggled to lead a consistent passing game in Chicago but the Bears are 2-2 at the quarter mark. The No. 11 overall pick in 2021 is completing only 50.7 percent of his passes with a pair of touchdowns against four interceptions, but the team is highly unlikely to turn the offense over to journeyman Trevor Siemian.

–Mariota has helped Atlanta rebound from an 0-2 start and has the Falcons tied atop the NFC South at 2-2.

–Meanwhile, Smith leads the NFL with a 77.3 completion percentage and Seattle is surprisingly 2-2 along with the rest of the NFC West.

–Ryan has struggled through the first month of his tenure in Indianapolis. Coach Frank Reich is placing the brunt of the offensive issues on his woeful line and the Colts still envision themselves as a threat in the AFC. Moving on from Ryan in favor of Nick Foles or Sam Ehlinger doesn’t appear to be anywhere in Reich’s thoughts.

–The story is similar in Tennessee, where Tannehill has long been the fodder for critics. But the Titans are tied atop the AFC South at 2-2 and third-round rookie Malik Willis in not considered to being anywhere close to ready to lead the offense.

–The Lions have tumbled to a 1-3 start but Goff has not been the issue. Detroit leads the NFL with 140 points scored but the 141 the Lions have allowed is 26 more than any other team.

That brings the conversation back to Wentz and Mayfield.

Rivera has pointed to poor pass protection and the league’s 21st-ranked run game as contributing factors in Wentz’s declining production. He did sound Monday like a he was ready to make a move soon to Heinicke or Howell.

Rhule is in a different predicament due to the injuries to Darnold and Corral.

Rhule said Mayfield will remain under center, hardly providing strong endorsement for the former first overall pick of the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield is among the lowest-rated quarterbacks in the league, completing a career-low 54.7 percent of his passes while throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions.

“I think Baker is our quarterback,” Rhule said Monday. “We just need Baker to settle down and play within the scheme. That is something he believes in, we all believe in.”

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) presses on one of his eye black strips during the second quarter of the game on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Indianapolis Colts Versus Jacksonville Jaguars On Sunday Jan 9 2022 Tiaa Bank Field In Jacksonville Fla

New Commander: Washington to acquire QB Carson Wentz

Washington has a new Commander.

Quarterback Carson Wentz is on the move again, reportedly acquired by Washington in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts for two third-round picks, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

Washington reportedly made an offer to the Seattle Seahawks for Russell Wilson. Wilson instead will relocate to Denver in a deal with the Broncos that can’t become official until March 16.

The same applies to the Colts sending Wentz to the Commanders at the start of the league year, marking a third team in three seasons for the former No. 2 overall pick who began his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now a division foe of the Eagles, Wentz gives the Commanders a stable starter after a revolving door that included Alex Smith, first-round pick Dwayne Haskins, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard was non-committal about Wentz sticking around for 2022, even after they had a meeting during the NFL Scouting Combine.

“Ultimately, you’ve got to have a guy that you believe in and can win with,” Ballard said.

Wentz, 29, was the second pick in the 2016 draft and performed at near MVP levels as a second-team All-Pro pick in 2017. But a knee injury kept him out of the playoffs that year and Wentz watched as Nick Foles guided the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII championship.

NFL Network reported the Colts could turn their attention to Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) gets water during a timeout against Arizona, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Indianapolis Colts At Arizona Cardinals At State Farm Stadium In Glendale Ariz On Saturday Dec 25 2021 Christmas Day Nfl

Colts’ Carson Wentz (COVID-19) moves closer to playing vs. Raiders

The Indianapolis Colts activated Carson Wentz from the COVID-19 list on Saturday, keeping the door open for the quarterback to be available for Sunday’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Per NFL guidelines, Wentz had to be activated by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to have a chance to play. Wentz, who is unvaccinated, reportedly needs to clear testing protocol on Sunday to be able to take the field.

Wentz will start for the Colts (9-6) if he clears protocol. Otherwise, rookie Sam Ehlinger will make his first career start.

Wentz, who turned 29 on Thursday, has thrown for 3,230 yards with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions in 15 games this season.

Ehlinger was a sixth-round selection in the 2021 draft out of Texas. He hasn’t thrown an NFL pass in three appearances.

Indianapolis also activated cornerback T.J. Carrie and right tackle Braden Smith from the COVID-19 list and waived center Joey Hunt and tackle Greg Senat.

Among the Colts’ other moves on Saturday was elevating quarterback Brett Hundley from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Brett Hundley (3) runs against Detroit Lions defensive end Bruce Hector (76) and  linebacker Charles Harris (53) during the second half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

Reports: Colts QB Brett Hundley, not Jacob Eason, worked with starters Wednesday

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Brett Hundley took the first-team reps on Wednesday ahead of Jacob Eason, the expected starter if injured Carson Wentz can’t play Sunday.

According to multiple reports, Hundley worked ahead of Eason as Wentz missed practice with two sprained ankles. Wentz left the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter and has “significant swelling,” head coach Frank Reich said.

Hundley and Eason are both being prepped with the expectation Wentz will miss the Week 3 game at Tennessee, Reich said.

Wentz wouldn’t count himself out and said he’ll “throw the kitchen sink” at the rehab and treatment process with a goal of facing the Titans.

The Colts are 0-2 with three consecutive road games ahead.

Wentz said he has never played in a game after not practicing the week prior, and Reich indicated the Colts prefer using Friday’s practice as a benchmark for determining if players will be ready for gameday.

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2021; Westfield, IN, United States; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacob Eason (9) talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) at Grand Park. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Carson Wentz hopes to play, receiving ‘kitchen sink’ treatment

Carson Wentz confessed to not having one good foot to stand on Wednesday, but the Indianapolis Colts quarterback plans an all-out blitz to get ready for Sunday’s game at Nashville against the Titans.

Wentz said he sprained his left ankle and, more severely, his right ankle last week in the home loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He was forced from the game in the fourth quarter and instantly worried his right foot and ankle might be a long-term issue. The right ankle injury is officially a high-ankle sprain.

Jacob Eason, who replaced Wentz against the Rams, would start at Tennessee (1-1) and took all the first-team reps for the Colts (0-2) in Wednesday’s practice. Wentz did not participate.

Wentz said he spent the past 48 hours focused on getting his ankles ready to play and will focus on that goal the rest of the week.

“A lot of treatment. Throwing kitchen sink at it trying to get healthy,” Wentz said.

Eason was intercepted by Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, effectively ending the Colts’ chances. The Rams fumbled away an 11-point lead before their comeback.

Wentz left his home debut with the Colts, who acquired the former No. 2 overall draft pick from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, and has battled injuries throughout his career. He had foot surgery in August and missed the entire preseason.

Head coach Frank Reich said the team will prepare to start Eason while leaving open the possibility Wentz can play.

Wentz said Wednesday he is feeling betting by the hour.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) is tackled close to the end zone during the second half of an Indianapolis Colts game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Rams won 27-24.

Colts: ‘Too early’ to know if QB Carson Wentz will miss time

Carson Wentz has a pair of ankle injuries and his status for Week 3 is cloudy as the Indianapolis Colts turn the page on a tough home loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Head coach Frank Reich said Monday the team should know more about Wentz and his availability later in the week.

“We’ll have to see as we go,” Reich said, “and then map out a plan.”

Wentz left the game in the fourth quarter and was unable to return. He bent awkwardly on a tackle by Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. When he reached the sideline, Wentz removed the shoe from his right foot and limped to the bench.

Backup Jacob Eason took over for Wentz. He was intercepted by Jalen Ramsey on his second pass attempt with 2:13 remaining, sparking the Rams to a rally and a 27-24 victory.

“He rolled it up pretty bad. I kind of had a sense when we walked off the field because I saw that it didn’t look good,” Reich said after the game. “The longer we were off the field there it just stiffened up. He tried, but there was no chance.”

It’s unclear if Wentz also hurt his left ankle on that play or earlier in the game.

Wentz finished 20-for-31 passing for 247 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Eason completed 2 of 5 pass attempts for 25 yards and the costly pick.

On the season, Wentz has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 498 yards and three TDs against one interception.

Eason would get the start in Week 3 at Tennessee (1-1) if Wentz is unable to go. The Colts are off to an 0-2 start.

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) passes the ball while Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 injuries: Colts QB Carson Wentz rolled ankle ‘pretty bad’

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was unable to finish Sunday’s game with a sprained right ankle and will require further evaluation on Monday.

Indianapolis blew a late lead and lost 27-24 to the Los Angeles Rams.

Wentz was injured when he collapsed awkwardly under the weight of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

“He rolled it up pretty bad. I kind of had a sense when we walked off the field because I saw that it didn’t look good,” Reich said. “The longer we were off the field there it just stiffened up. He tried, but there was no chance.”

Backup Jacob Eason entered the game for Wentz but threw a costly interception that helped the Rams seal the game.

–Tests are required to determine the exact nature of the rib injury that forced Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to miss most of Miami’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, head coach Brian Flores said.

“They are getting tests done on Tua. We don’t know the severity of the injury right now,” Flores said.

Jacoby Brissett stepped in for Tagovailoa, who was blasted by Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa while attempting to complete a pass on fourth down on Miami’s second possession.

Tagovailoa was assisted by trainers, who helped him walk to the sideline and later loaded the second-year quarterback onto a cart and taken to the locker room.

NFL Network reported X-rays were negative and described the injury as bruised ribs.

He completed 1 of 4 passes for 13 yards and was sacked twice before exiting.

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) returns to the locker room following warmups before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Wilson: 5 bold predictions for 2021

Be bold, be bullish, be all-in when it comes to ultra-big, ultra-athletic and ultra-skilled Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf.

Metcalf is an extremely reliable breakout candidate and my prediction for huge NFL numbers in his third NFL season.

Here’s why:

At a sculpted 6-foot-4, 235 pounds with 4.33 speed in the 40-yard dash, Metcalf has freakish size and speed and knows how to use his superior traits to full advantage.

He had at least 100 yards or one touchdown in 10 of 16 games last season, finishing with 83 receptions for 1,303 yards (seventh in the NFL) and 10 touchdowns. He was targeted at least four times every game.

In two NFL seasons, he has 141 career catches for 2,203 yards and 17 touchdowns.

In his third NFL season, look for even greater production from Metcalf. He could emerge as the top wide receiver in the game.

Russell Wilson has built a strong chemistry with Metcalf and will make it a point to throw him the football frequently. That conclusion doesn’t require sources. It’s just a matter of fact and practicality.

The game is slowing down for Metcalf and he’s gained greater knowledge of the Seahawks’ offense and excellent timing with how Wilson likes to play.

As they say, “Let Russ cook.” How about, “Let Russ and Metcalf collaborate as co-chefs to cook a delicious meal of touchdowns.”

The Seahawks hired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, which could help Metcalf maximize his talents. Look at how much production the Los Angeles Rams, Waldron’s old team, have had at wide receiver and the diversity of their schemes under Sean McVay.

There could be extra pockets for Metcalf to operate.

Metcalf should also benefit from the presence of rookie D’Wayne Eskridge, who’s capable of being an effective weapon in the slot and as an outside receiver.

Metcalf lined up in the slot 16.6 percent of the time last season. That number could increase under Waldron’s direction. Plus, Metcalf has upgraded his route-running skills.

Under Waldron, the Seahawks are expected to increase their tempo with quick passing game strategies.

Metcalf is also an imposing red-zone target, where he scored five times last season.

And Metcalf has the requisite attitude for the job.

“Hungry,” he said. “Still hungry. Be better than last year, that’s always the goal.”

Here are four more bold predictions for the 2021 season:

Chiefs win it all

Yes, Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the talent to repeat. And they looked good in a dramatic season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Here’s saying they won’t repeat. And it’s not because of any obvious deficiencies with the Buccaneers.

The Kansas City Chiefs are just that good.

Between a fully healthy Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and an upgraded offensive line led by Joe Thuney and Orlando Brown, the Chiefs are primed to win a Super Bowl rematch over the Buccaneers.

Bills are in the mix

The Buffalo Bills are a sleeper Super Bowl candidate around the league.

The emergence of strong-armed mobile quarterback Josh Allen makes them a legitimate contender.

The addition of Stefon Diggs last season and general manager Brandon Beane’s steady roster moves to improve a loaded defense makes the Bills Mafia extremely happy.

This team is on the cusp of accomplishing big things.

Browns take over AFC North

The way the Baltimore Ravens’ running back situation has been decimated by injuries — including the losses of J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill for the season — could prevent them from remaining ahead of the pack in the division.

Lamar Jackson is a dynamic presence, but can only do so much given the injury situation in the backfield.

The Cleveland Browns are poised to ascend.

A two-running back system with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, a playmaking quarterback in Baker Mayfield, the return of Odell Beckham Jr. from an ACL injury and a defense that has Myles Garrett makes the Browns the heavy favorite in this division.

Colts take a step back

It’s hard to believe in Carson Wentz resurrecting his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Wentz’s confidence and mechanics were shot in Philadelphia. Even having Frank Reich around to coach him up again won’t be enough to get Wentz back to where he began his career.

Look for the Tennessee Titans to rule the AFC South because of powerhouse running back Derrick Henry, the addition of Julio Jones and the play-action skills of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The defense, led by Jeffery Simmons, is improving.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger (4) drops back to pass as he is watched by Carson Wentz and Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich during a combined Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers practice at Grand Park in Westfield on Thursday, August 12, 2021, during Colts camp.

Colts Entertain Panthers

Colts OG Quenton Nelson (back) misses practice, QB Carson Wentz ready

An unspecified back injury kept All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson out of practice Wednesday, but the Indianapolis Colts gave quarterback Carson Wentz the green light for Week 1.

Wentz, sidelined during training camp by foot surgery, overcame missing multiple weeks of practice and a recent quarantine as a close contact to get ready for the Seattle Seahawks in the regular-season opener on Sunday.

Nelson had surgery on his right foot on Aug. 3, one day after Wentz, but is fully cleared from that procedure.

“Just has an occasional back flare-up,” Colts coach Frank Reich said of Nelson. “We just want to try to get ahead of it and get him back on track.”

Starting cornerback Xavier Rhodes was also sidelined Wednesday with tightness in his calf.

Whether stonewall blocker Nelson can line up in front of Wentz is unclear. Reich said all of the team’s injured players have a chance to play Sunday.

Nelson said he underwent three offseason surgeries — but resisted divulging what the operations were for or when they took place — and had the same foot surgery as Wentz in August.

Left tackle Eric Fisher was on the field for the Colts on Wednesday and will make an attempt to play. He was limited in practice by design, Reich said, but the Colts view Fisher as fully recovered from the torn Achilles he suffered with the Kansas City Chiefs in January.

Fisher’s return was delayed by a positive COVID-19 result two weeks ago.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz looks on in front of quarterback Jalen Hurts (R) during the first quarter of a game against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles GM dishes on durability issues with Carson Wentz

Availability was the issue with Carson Wentz when it came time for the Philadelphia Eagles to chart their future late in 2020.

Eagles executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman revealed in a radio interview Wednesday that durability was the chief complaint about the No. 2 overall pick in 2016.

“We loved Carson,” Roseman told Sports Radio 94 WIP in Philadelphia of Wentz, who was benched in favor of Jalen Hurts for the final month of last season — then traded to the Indianapolis Colts.

“But we played four playoff games and we needed our backup in every one.”

Hurts is the starter to open the 2021 season under new head coach Nick Sirianni. Wentz is expected to be ready to go for Week 1 in Indianapolis following a training camp foot surgery.

Roseman all but closed the door on trading for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson after Sirianni named Hurts the Eagles’ starter for the opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

“He can play, and he can win,” Roseman said of Hurts.

After tearing his ACL in the final month of the 2017 regular season, Wentz missed the Eagles’ playoff run to the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history which was guided by Nick Foles. In 2019, he was forced to leave the Eagles’ wildcard playoff game with a head injury in the first quarter.

Colts head coach Frank Reich is intimately familiar with that history, having served as quarterbacks coach of the Eagles prior to being hired in Indianapolis.

Reich was relatively pointed in his comments on Wentz leading the team after the quarterback admitted he is unvaccinated, leading to a multiple-day absence that again called into question his availability.

“The franchise quarterback is a critically important position,” Reich said. “It’s without question a leadership position. As far as that goes, I would just say Carson, in many ways, is an exemplary leader. Are any of us the perfect leader? I don’t know. I don’t think so. We all have holes in our game somewhere and we’re all trying to get better and we’re all trying to learn. I’m trying to learn as a leader.”

–Field Level Media