Eason saw fewer reps with the Colts' first-team offense than practice squad quarterback Brett Hundley at Wednesday's practice, which could suggest the latter is the top candidate to start Sunday's game in Tennessee if Carson Wentz (ankles) is inactive, Mike Chappell of Fox 59 Indianapolis reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wentz didn't practice Wednesday after spraining both of his ankles in last week's loss to the Rams, which doesn't inspire much early confidence about his availability for the Week 3 matchup. Even though Eason already possesses a spot on the 40-man roster and has recent draft capital (2020 fourth-round selection) working in his favor, head coach Frank Reich may favor the experience that Hundley -- who has appeared in 18 games through seven professional seasons -- offers at the position. Eason, meanwhile, didn't make his NFL debut until stepping in on the Colts' final drive last week for the injured Wentz, completing two of five attempts for 25 yards and an interception.

Eason is the favorite to start Sunday's game against the Titans if Carson Wentz (ankles) is unable to suit up, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Frank Reich declined to confirm Wednesday whether Eason or practice squad member Brett Hundley would start if Wentz -- who is nursing sprains in both ankles -- is ultimately ruled out Week 3. Hundley (nine career starts) boasts more experience than Eason, who looked overwhelmed in emergency duty against the Rams last week. However, Bowen notes that the 2020 fourth-round pick is still the likely favorite for a spot start, if needed.

Eason entered Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Rams for Carson Wentz (ankle) with 2:23 remaining and completed two of five passes for 15 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.

EDGE Analysis

The second-year signal-caller drew the proverbial short straw for Sunday's emergency duty, coming into the contest with the game on the line against a ferocious defense. Eason promptly was intercepted on his second pass attempt to short-circuit what would be the Colts' last realistic opportunity to drive for at least a tie, and his only two completions subsequently came against an extreme prevent defense with under 30 seconds remaining and deep in his own territory. Wentz significantly rolled his ankle on the play that knocked him out of the contest, per postgame reports, so it remains to be seen if Eason will be called on for a spot start versus the Titans on the road Week 3.

Eason will be the Week 1 starting quarterback if Carson Wentz (foot) isn't cleared to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eason was competing with Sam Ehlinger, who now is expected to miss at least a month with an ACL sprain. However, Wentz returned to practice this past week and seems to be gearing up for the opener, so the battle between Eason and Ehlinger had lost some of its intrigue even before the injury.

Eason completed 10 of 14 passes for 74 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

He was under center for the Colts' first three drives and led them to two field goals, although one of those possessions started at the Detroit 18-yard line. The second-year QB didn't exactly stretch the field, but with Carson Wentz looking increasingly likely to be ready for Week 1 against Seattle, Eason seems locked into the No. 2 role -- particularly after Sam Ehlinger left Friday's game with a knee injury.

Eason will start Friday's preseason game against Detroit, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Frank Reich said the Colts will rest most of their starters , though not necessarily all of them. Eason has been viewed as a potential Week 1 starter ever since Carson Wentz had foot surgery, but the former Eagle now appears on track for the season opener. If nothing else, Eason is still the favorite for the backup job, as Sam Ehlinger has tossed three interceptions in two preseason games.

Eason was 16-for-27 passing for 132 yards and notched a three-yard carry during Saturday's preseason win in Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

After Eason started preseason Week 1 ahead of Sam Ehlinger, the tables turned Saturday, with the latter getting the first five possessions of the game. Ehlinger has been turnover prone through two exhibitions -- three interceptions versus no touchdowns -- but he's also turned 10 rushes into 41 yards. Meanwhile, Eason has combined for 31 completions, 315 yards, no TDs and no picks on 48 attempts during that stretch. Considering he's been more crisp as a passer, Eason may have the edge on Ehlinger to start Week 1, assuming Carson Wentz (foot) is unable to suit up.

Eason got the start against the Panthers on Sunday, completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 183 yards in a 21-18 preseason victory.

EDGE Analysis

With Carson Wentz' (foot) availability in question for the start of the 2021 season, Eason and rookie Sam Ehlinger will compete for the Colts' No. 1 quarterback position (assuming no other candidates are brought in). The former appears to have gotten the early leg up based on his ability to protect the ball and complete the necessary passes to move the chains. Coach Frank Reich already stated that Ehlinger (10 of 15 pass attempts for 155 yards and an interception Sunday) will get the start against the Vikings in the second week of the preseason, so this job battle is far from over.

Coach Frank Reich said Eason will start Sunday's preseason game against the Panthers, when he's likely to see action into the second quarter, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Once Carson Wentz (foot) went under the knife, Eason received most of the first-team reps before yielding about half of them to rookie Sam Ehlinger in recent practices. Still, Eason is getting the first chance to be under center Saturday before Ehlinger has that same opportunity in preseason Week 2 at Minnesota. Eason, a 2020 fourth-round pick, has yet to throw a pass in an NFL game, exhibition or otherwise.

Eason and Sam Ehlinger split first-team QB snaps at Tuesday's practice, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bremer adds that coach Frank Reich indicated that the Colts plan to continue to split their first-team signal-caller reps and take things "day-by-day." Meanwhile, Bremer also notes that Eason is still expected to start Sunday's preseason opener against the Panthers and log first-team work in that contest. Either way, this is a situation worth monitoring, given that No. 1 QB Carson Wentz (foot) is a candidate to miss time early on this season.