The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer to be the backup behind Jacoby Brissett for at least the 2019 season. How does this impact Chad Kelly?
While many Colts fans want to see Kelly suit up as the backup behind Brissett, it doesn’t appear that is going to happen for the 2019 season. With Kelly suspended for the first two games of the season, the Colts needed to find a viable backup for Brissett.
A strong preseason had many believing Kelly could be the immediate backup, but the Colts felt otherwise. Unless the Colts want to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster—which is still possible—the signing of Hoyer likely means Kelly is headed for the practice squad when he returns from his suspension.
This also likely means Phillip Walker could get released from the practice squad.
The Colts have expressed how much they like Kelly and have done so since signing him during the offseason. He gave them a strong showing in the preseason as well en route to completing 74% of his passes for 583 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
As the Colts were looking for a viable veteran to back up Brissett, it became clear that Hoyer was the best option on the market following the weekend of cuts. They brought him in for a visit on Sunday night and got a deal done Monday morning.
While Hoyer will be the backup forcing Kelly to take the role as QB3, it isn’t to say the Colts don’t want to see the latter develop. They like his skill set and playmaking ability but for the immediate future, Hoyer is the better option behind Brissett.
The Colts will have a few decisions to make when Week 3 rolls around but for now, they have their backup in Hoyer.
