GM declines to commit to 2022 starter
While speaking during his season-ending news conference, GM Chris Ballard fell short of committing to Wentz as the Colts' starting QB next season, Mike Wells of ESPN.com reports. "When we made the decision, after Philip [Rivers] retired ... to make a move on Carson, at the time of the decision we felt good about it and I still don't regret the decision at the time," Ballard noted Thursday. "Sitting here today ... I won't make a comment on who is going to be here next year and who is not going to be here next year. That's not fair to any player."
Meanwhile, Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star previously relayed that coach Frank Reich also declined to discuss the 2022 standing of Wentz or any other player on the team's roster, but given the mixed returns in the signal-caller's first season with Indianapolis, it's not too surprising that endorsements from the franchise's GM and coach didn't arrive in the wake of a disappointing loss in Week 18 that eliminated the Colts from playoff contention. Per Stephen Holder of The Athletic, Wentz is under contract through 2024, but he points out that the key aspect of the deal is that next season is the final year with guaranteed money. In any case, there figures to continue to be speculation regarding Wentz' future with the team in the coming months, but contract deadlines, free agency and the NFL Draft remain future moving parts that will drive the narrative.
More Washington Commanders Fantasy Football News

John Bates
TE | WAS
Bothered by calf
Bates (calf) is on a side field at Monday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Curtis Samuel
WR | WAS
Two catches against Panthers
Samuel caught both of his targets for 14 yards in Saturday's 23-21 preseason loss to the Panthers.

Terry McLaurin
WR | WAS
Tallies 16-yard reception
McLaurin recorded one catch on two targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 23-21 preseason loss to the Panthers.
Jahan Dotson
WR | WAS
Not targeted in preseason debut
Dotson played in Saturday's 23-21 preseason loss to the Panthers but did not see a target.
Brian Robinson
RB | WAS
Makes most of opportunity
Robinson gained 26 yards on six carries and a touchdown in Saturday's 23-21 preseason loss to the Panthers.

Antonio Gibson
RB | WAS
Fumbles against Panthers
Gibson carried the ball two times for four yards and caught his only target for two yards in Saturday's 23-21 preseason loss to the Panthers.

Carson Wentz
QB | WAS
Extended run in preseason opener
Wentz completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 74 yards in Saturday's 23-21 preseason loss to the Panthers.

Carson Wentz
QB | WAS
Should play Saturday
Wentz and other Washington starters are scheduled for about 15-20 plays in Saturday's preseason opener against Carolina, Michael Phillips of Richmond.com reports.

Curtis Samuel
WR | WAS
Set to play Saturday
Samuel will play in Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Cole Turner
TE | WAS
Missing time with injury
Turner (hamstring) will not participate in Saturday's practice, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.