The Indianapolis Colts got their new left tackle in the form of two-time Pro Bowler Eric Fisher, and it seems head coach Frank Reich had a heavy hand in the signing.
Following his visit with the Colts last week, the team was weighing their options between Fisher and former Chicago Bears left tackle Charles Jr., who was released following the 2021 NFL draft.
After the Colts went through the medicals of Fisher, who is currently rehabbing from a torn Achilles, Reich pushed hard for the team to sign the veteran left tackle, per Zak Keefer of The Athletic.
The Colts initially had talks with Leno and showed interest, but the focus shifted after Fisher visited later in the week. Head coach Frank Reich wanted the deal done, and the Colts signed the two-time Pro Bowler on Monday to a one-year deal, according to a league source.
Reich had a strong say in bringing in quarterback Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles. Of course, Chris Ballard will say he was also interested, but it likely took some convincing from Reich’s side given his experience with the quarterback.
The Colts are taking somewhat of a gamble on Fisher due to his Achilles injury, which is likely to keep him out until October. But if he can return to his Pro Bowl play when he comes back, Wentz will have no excuses if he can’t bounce back.
Fisher has been dealing with injuries over the last two seasons, but Reich clearly wanted to get an above-average left tackle in the building to shore up the protection for Wentz.
Even if the Colts have to replace Fisher for a handful of games to start the season, it’s clear Reich had a heavy hand in signing the veteran tackle.
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