Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich said Sunday that quarterback Carson Wentz, guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly will return to practice Monday on a limited basis after each sustained injuries earlier in training camp.
Wentz needed surgery on his left foot in early August and initially was given a return timetable of five to 12 weeks.
“You’re going to see him out there on the practice field this week,” Reich said. “He’ll be out there tomorrow taking some things … It’ll be limited. He’ll be limited but he will be participating, as will (Ryan) Kelly and as will Quenton Nelson.”
Reich previously told reporters that Wentz had a previous foot injury dating back to high school. A broken bone loosened and caused pain for Wentz, and the surgery was planned to remove that bone entirely.
The Colts acquired Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles in March for a 2021 third-round draft pick and a conditional 2022 second-rounder. Wentz, who struggled mightily in 2020, previously played for Reich when Reich was Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator.
Jacob Eason has taken first-team snaps for Indianapolis, including during preseason games. Rookie Sam Ehlinger also has been in the mix.
Nelson, considered one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, also required foot surgery at the start of the month. The No. 6 overall pick of the 2018 draft has been a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in all three seasons of his career to date.
Kelly sustained an elbow injury in a practice in late July. A first-round pick in 2016, Kelly was made the highest-paid center in the NFL with a contract extension last September and went on to earn a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020.
The Colts will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12 for their season opener.
