The Indianapolis Colts signed veteran left tackle Eric Fisher fully knowing the risk they are taking as he goes through his recovery from a torn Achilles in January.
It isn’t clear yet when Fisher will be ready to return from the rehab process, but the Colts seem comfortable enough with the timeline to sign him to a one-year deal following the 2021 draft.
However, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Fisher as the Colts player who could be a disappointment due to the injury.
“New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz may not quite revitalize his career this season. However, with Wentz coming off the worst season of his career, the expectations in Indianapolis shouldn’t be terribly high for the former Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller.
A bigger disappointment could be Eric Fisher’s inability to protect Wentz.
The Colts brought in Fisher to help replace the recently retired Anthony Castonzo at left tackle. The problem is that Fisher’s 2020 campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs was cut short by a torn Achilles. Fisher suffered the injury during the playoffs and could miss a large chunk of the coming season.
Achilles injuries are tricky, and there’s no telling if or when Fisher will be back to 100 percent this year. That’s no fault of Fisher’s, of course, but if he can’t get onto the field or struggles, it will be a discouraging development for the Colts and for Wentz.
Poor pass protection hampered Wentz last season, as he was sacked 50 times in 12 games. He shouldn’t be pressured as much with standouts like Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith on the line, but Fisher’s recovery—or lack thereof—could still leave a significant hole at left tackle.”
Are the Colts taking a rise with Fisher? Sure, an argument can be made. He’s 30 years old and coming off of an injury that doesn’t have a strong track record of successful recoveries.
But Fisher doesn’t have to be a Pro Bowl left tackle for the Colts to get value out of this deal. Their offensive line and blocking scheme can mask an average left tackle next to Quenton Nelson.
The hope is that the Colts won’t have to worry about this because Fisher’s rehab will go smoothly, and the offensive line returns to its elite status.
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