The Colts continue to search for a backup quarterback.
Indianapolis recently worked out veterans Matt Cassel and Brandon Weeden, according to a report from NFL Network, which cites unidentified league sources. The team also has visited with Brock Osweiler.
Cassel has started 81 games over his 14-year career and made two appearances as a backup for the Lions last season. Weeden, meanwhile, was a first-round pick in the 2012 draft but has played more than 14 games in a season just once — as a rookie with the Browns.
This past week, as the #Colts look at options for their backup QB job, they visited with and worked out FA QBs Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden, and Brock Osweiler, I’m told. No decision yet on who they are signing, or if they’ll wait until roster cuts come from the other 31.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2019
The Colts have a need under center after Andrew Luck shockingly announced last weekend he was retiring after seven years with the team. The top pick in the 2012 draft was a four-time Pro Bowl player and was named the Comeback Player of the Year last season.
"This is not an easy decision," Luck said at a press conference. "Honestly, it's the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me. For the last four years or so, I've been in this cycle of injury, pain, rehab, injury, pain, rehab, and it's been unceasing, unrelenting, both in-season and offseason, and I felt stuck in it. The only way I see out is to no longer play football."
With Luck's departure, the Colts are set to enter the season with Jacoby Brissett under center. Brissett has made 17 career starts over three seasons.
"Our organization, to have that kind of leadership at quarterback to go from Andrew Luck to Jacoby Brissett, different kinds of leaders, but both elite leaders. I mean these guys are both elite — Jacoby has those qualities,” Indianapolis coach Frank Reich told reporters this week. “As a human being, as an athlete, this guy is as good as they come as a teammate."
It's your time, @JBrissett12. #Colts pic.twitter.com/f9UX6YUSg5
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) August 25, 2019
The Colts, however, may need to acquire another signal-caller as they lack an experienced backup behind Brissett. Phillip Walker and Chad Kelly — who have combined for just one NFL regular-season appearance — are the other quarterbacks currently on Indianapolis' roster.
Kelly will also miss the first two games of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.