The Indianapolis Colts have had a rough past week, losing quarterback Carson Wentz to a foot injury. One that could knock him out for up to 12 weeks. A brutal blow after the team just got done giving up a sizable trade package to get him. Now before they even had a chance to assess their situation, All-Pro offensive lineman Quenton Nelson went down with the same injury. One has to feel for head coach Frank Reich who is left scrambling for solutions.
It didn’t take long for most people to make the easy connection to Nick Foles. The Chicago Bears backup worked with Reich back in 2017 where they won the Super Bowl together. This forged a lasting bond that remains strong to this day. Foles said in a recent interview that Reich was one of his all-time favorite coaches. He’d clearly love a chance at a reunion but has little control over that. As for the head coach? Mike Chappell of Fox 59 revealed him sounding pretty open to the same idea.
In the classic diplomatic media speak of course.
“I don’t mind talking about Nick Foles,’’ Reich said. “I love Nick Foles. He plays for the Chicago Bears and haven’t talked to him, but I think he’s a great player. I think he’s proven that. I think he’s a great teammate.
“There’s nothing about Nick Foles that I don’t like. I think he’s a winner. He’s certainly a guy that fits our kind of culture, but he plays for the Chicago Bears. We’re glad we got the guys we got and we’re focusing on getting our team better.’’
Reich was never going to come right out and say his team should trade for Foles. However, it’s pretty clear the love and respect are mutual. He also knows it’s a delicate situation. After Foles won the Super Bowl, an air of tension developed between him and Wentz. Especially as many Eagles fans called on him to be the starting quarterback permanently. This is one of the reasons the latter wanted to get out of Philadelphia.
So one can imagine his reaction were the Colts to trade for Foles. Probably wouldn’t be thrilled about it. Then again it’s not about his feelings. It is about winning football games. Indianapolis has a playoff-ready roster. Putting it in the hands of somebody like Jacob Eason or Brett Hundley sounds pretty irresponsible. Needless to say it’s a complex situation.
Frank Reich and Colts likely weighing their options
They aren’t certain yet how long Wentz will be out. They also don’t know what they truly have at backup quarterback. The belief is they’ll spend the next week or so evaluating Eason to see if he has the chops to keep the QB chair warm until Wentz returns. If he doesn’t? Then they’ll still have three weeks left to make a more aggressive move to find help. This is where the prior relationship with Foles can serve them well.
Frank Reich knows exactly what he can do and the type of system it would take to make him successful. Their connection would make it far easier to get up to speed quickly. So the Colts don’t feel the need to have a knee-jerk reaction. As for the Bears? While moving Foles for a draft pick and some cap relief would be nice, they don’t feel too hard-pressed to do so. He’s a valued member of the locker room and makes for great depth as a #3 QB.
Probably the best in the NFL.
Injuries happen all the time in this league. The trade deadline isn’t until the end of October. So the Bears have plenty of time to hold Foles until another team might feel serious pressure to come after him. GM Ryan Pace is wise to let things play out.