INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz practiced, albeit on a limited basis, for the first time this week on Friday and will likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Tennessee, coach Frank Reich said.
Wentz moved around pretty well with both of his injured ankles heavily taped during the portion of practice open to the media. He injured his left ankle in the third quarter and his right ankle, which was worse, in the fourth quarter of the Colts' Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The right ankle injury caused Wentz to miss the final eight minutes of the game.
"I'm very surprised that we're even at this point to be honest with you," Reich said. "Monday and Tuesday were pretty bad. Monday thought zero chance, Tuesday I thought there was a glimmer of a hope. But we handle it day by day like we said. We've been pretty straightforward how it all came down and pretty transparent and we'll try to figure it out. [Friday] was the next step in trying to figure that out."
One of the factors that will impact whether Wentz plays is how effective he'll be and how much of the playbook will need to be altered because he's not completely healthy. Wentz is a mobile quarterback who likes to make plays -- running and throwing -- with his feet. There's also the risk of Wentz reinjuring his ankles. The Colts are thinking more long term than short term with Wentz and his health.
"Based on what I saw [Friday], probably not, but we still have 48 hours," Reich said about being able to run the same plays. "Like I said, we have to see how [Wentz feels] and we have to decide should we do that. Is that right for the team? If he can't function and play his game, what's best for him and what's best for the team? That's ultimately what will guide the decision."
Wentz is 45-of-69 for 498 yards and three touchdowns with an interception through the first two games of the season, both losses. The most alarming stat with Wentz is that he has been sacked six times and hit an additional 21 times in those two games.
Wentz has played a full season only twice since entering the NFL as the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2016.
Reich isn't ready to name a starter if Wentz is out. Second-year quarterback Jacob Eason has struggled locking in the backup spot. Veteran Brett Hundley, who has been on the practice squad, took some snaps with the first team in practice this week.
"I'm not going to make those hypotheticals," Reich said. "It's a good question and I understand the question, but until -- our kind of general rule is we'll make those decisions when we need to. We thought through all the scenarios, we have a plan, have a tentative plan in mind and will address that when and if it's needed."