Quenton Nelson out injured, leaving large hole on Colts offensive line
The Indianapolis Colts will already be without Carson Wentz for a long time and now lose Quenton Nelson to the same injury.
If you thought Carson Wentz’s injury was bad news for the Indianapolis Colts, the recent developments on Quenton Nelson won’t make fans feel any better about the situation. The All-Pro guard will also be undergoing foot surgery, according to head coach Frank Reich and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. When he returns has been suggested as the same 5-12-week timetable as is out there for Wentz.
It’s hard enough to lose a quarterback, but losing protection on the offensive line is also a cause for concern. Ask the Chiefs about the Super Bowl, and they will point to the offensive line play when the starters are missing. Moreover, for the Colts, Nelson is next in line to receive a massive payday, due in large part to his dominance on the field and ability to control the line of scrimmage.
Additionally, this puts another level of stress on the front office and general manager Chris Ballard, who not only has to find a replacement at quarterback but also replace the production of one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
How can the Colts replace the All-Pro production of Quenton Nelson?
There’s no firm answer to that question. When Quenton Nelson was drafted sixth overall in 2018 out of Notre Dame, he was viewed to be a prospect that can help rebuild the trenches. Fast forward to 2021; he’s all that and more. Three times, he has been named First-Team All-Pro, and three times, he has had his name called to the Pro Bowl.
There is the possibility that the Colts go with one of their backups or look to the free-agent market to find Nelson’s replacement. But it’s not that simple. You may be able to fill the roster spot, but you can’t replace production. Nelson is hard to replace, regardless of who is placed in that role.
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The Colts are in a tough predicament. They have to find a replacement for Carson Wentz, and now they have to find someone to fill the void Quenton Nelson left. It’s a massive void, literally. It’s up to Ballard to use his skills and find the right person, whether on the roster or not, to help fill the gap and keep the ship afloat.