Curtis

Painter

Kerry Collins missed Thursday’s practice, and coach Jim Caldwell confirmed that the veteran is still recovering from his apparent concussion in Week 3. It’s hard to believe Painter would fare substantially worse than the ineffective Collins in his first career start. The Bucs D/ST is an attractive plug ‘n’ play this week regardless.

“It took me two years to learn this offense,” Wayne said. “Now, you mean to tell me you’re gonna bring in somebody and he’s gonna learn it in 18 days? ... Our whole motto’s always been ‘the next man up.’ And then we went and got somebody else. I’m like, ‘Well, that’s not how we roll, really.’” It looks like Wayne will finally get his wish this week.

There was speculation early in the week that Painter may get the call regardless of Kerry Collins’ health. If that was the case, it would seem to follow that Painter would have the green light this late in the week. Instead, Caldwell has said only that “you’ve got to coach who shows up.” As of Friday, Collins hasn’t shown up.

Kerry Collins (concussion) is still being evaluated and will miss Friday’s practice. Caldwell indicated that it would be “tough to reclaim” his starting spot. In four career appearances, Painter is 13-of-39 (33.3 percent) for 143 yards, and a 0:2 TD-to-INT ratio with four sacks and three fumbles. Keep expectations low for the Colts offense while plucking the Bucs D/ST from the waiver wire.

Painter came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, completing 12-of-17 first-half passes for 237 yards and both scores, good for a near-perfect 152.2 passer rating. Something went terribly wrong at intermission, because Painter’s throws were all over the place in the final two quarters. While Painter’s footwork looked improved against the Chiefs, he’s still just a two-QB league option. The Colts head to Cincinnati for Week 6.

Painter apparently got the edge over Dennis Dixon and Kyle Boller due to his history with new QBs coach Jim Caldwell. Owner of a career 51.7 completion percentage and 60.6 passer rating, Painter will likely end up third on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco and Tyrod Taylor.

Painter was due only a $565,000 base salary, but the new Colts regime wanted nothing to do with him. While Painter’s physical traits are better than his 2011 stats may indicate, he’s an absolute nightmare from a footwork and decision-making standpoint. The 27-year-old may latch on as a third-string quarterback somewhere. Baltimore makes some sense after the Ravens hired Jim Caldwell to coach their QBs. He’d be the No. 3 behind Joe Flacco and Tyrod Taylor.

“Tyrod is our No. 2 quarterback; I want to make that very clear,” Harbaugh said. “Everybody competes for their job, there’s no doubt about it, we believe in that, we always will, but he’s our No. 2 quarterback. He’s entrenched as our No. 2 quarterback.” Painter is no lock to make the final roster.

Painter was waived by the Colts in early March and was not claimed by a team. The 27-year-old could compete for the Ravens’ backup job with Tyrod Taylor.

The 0-10 Colts are on a bye this week. Painter has been absolutely brutal over the last four games, tossing six interceptions against zero touchdowns and averaging 127.2 passing yards per game. It’s so bad that Caldwell is actually considering turning to Dan Orlovsky.