LA Rams learning that Week 2 Colts facing their own IR issues

The 2021 offseason was headlined by two NFL teams that made moves for veteran quarterbacks. Of course, the biggest splash was that of the LA Rams who traded a trio of draft picks and Super Bowl quarterback Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions for their veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. But the LA Rams were not the only NFL team willing to take a chance on a talented quarterback who was not as successful as some had hoped.

In a minor surprise, the Indianapolis Colts traded a 2021 third-round and a conditional 2022 second-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. NBC Sports Philadelphia has confirmed that the second-rounder in 2022 will turn into a first-rounder if Wentz plays 75 percent of the offensive snaps or if he plays 70 percent of the offensive snaps and the Colts make the playoffs. Right now, that appears highly unlikely to occur.

You see, Carson Wentz is out, IR, on the bench, medically disqualified. He suffered a foot injury during practice, and there is no estimate of when or if he will return to the Colts.

The LA Rams schedule in 2021 open at home against the Chicago Bears, then a road trip to face the Indianapolis Colts, and finally returning home to host the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  At first glance, this was quite a gauntlet facing the Rams to open the 2021 season. Wentz’s injury, while disappointing for Wentz and the Indianapolis Colts, takes a bit of the rough edge off the second game.

September 2021 will really set the pace for the Rams’ quest for the Lombardi. Emerging with a record of 2-1 is a solid statement to the NFL that could propel them to a fantastic season. Emerging unscathed at 3-0 is far better than anyone could expect yet, but suddenly the odds feel as though they have improved. The Colts game has so many challenges with it. It’s the first team road game. It’s a potential trap game. It’s an AFC opponent (and therefore the Rams seldom face that team). Hey, I respect Carson Wentz, and I certainly hope that he returns healthy.

But if he is out in that game and the team is facing backup quarterback Jacob Eason, I like the LA Rams’ chances a lot better.