Sam Ehlinger has closed the gap against Jacob Eason to be the starting quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts if Carson Wentz is not ready for the start of the regular season.

"Against the Panthers in the game [on Sunday], I won't try to split like that," coach Frank Reich said. "We'll just let one guy go. Jacob will probably start and Sam will probably come in whenever."

Reich said Eason was in the "driver's seat" to be the starter in Wentz's absence the day the team announced that the quarterback would be out five to 12 weeks after having left foot surgery on Aug. 2.