Carson Wentz's finger surgery likely impacts Colts’ draft picks in 2023, playing in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — A former Colts starting quarterback’s surgery this week could have significant implications for Indianapolis in the near future.
Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz underwent surgery Monday to repair a fractured finger on his throwing hand, the team announced. Washington, however, declined to give a timetable for Wentz’s return, although reports by ESPN and the NFL Network indicated Wentz he will miss at least four weeks.
If Wentz’s absence lands on that timetable, he would miss his scheduled return to Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 30 in the short term. In the long term, Wentz's absence could reduce the compensation the Colts get for their former starter after trading him to Washington last offseason.
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Indianapolis traded Wentz and a seventh-round pick in 2022 for the right to move up five spots in the second round in the 2022 draft, a 2022 third-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick that would become a second-rounder if Wentz plays 70% of the snaps for Washington this season.
A team’s offensive snap counts can vary from game to game, but the history of NFL teams indicates that Wentz can still play 70% of the snaps if he misses five games.
A four-game absence puts Wentz right on the line. If his recovery takes a little longer than reportedly expected, or if he suffers another injury, Wentz could drop below the 70% mark.
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For example, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott underwent surgery to repair a fractured thumb on his throwing hand after the season opener, was reportedly given a four- to six-week timeline for recovery. He has missed the past five weeks, with a reported expectation that Prescott will be back this week.
Wentz reportedly fractured his right ring finger rather than his thumb, but a significant injury to any digit on the throwing hand is obviously difficult for a quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL: Carson Wentz injury puts Indianapolis Colts draft pick in limbo
