The Indianapolis Colts placed starting quarterback Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, which makes it unlikely he will suit up for Sunday’s Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wentz is unvaccinated, and under the current protocols, is subject to a 10-day quarantine.
Rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger is set to start in his place, or is he? After the Wentz news broke, Zak Keefer of The Athletic tweeted that the Colts need to call Philip Rivers. He even added that he has heard it is being discussed.
Rivers, who wrapped up his career with the Colts last season, went 11-5 as the starter in 2020 and threw for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 40-year-old also led the Colts back to the postseason after the franchise missed out on the playoffs the year prior. It would be tough to hurry Rivers into the starting lineup on three days practice after sitting out all year, but he knows the offense and the Colts actually have something to fight for.
The Colts currently hold the top wild card seed in the AFC at 9-6. The 9-6 New England Patriots own the spot behind them, and then there are four teams at 8-7. Wentz is slated to miss just one game, but Indy would like to retain that top wild card seed — even if it means Rivers has to start one game.
Is it unlikely that the Colts sign Rivers to play 60 minutes? Yes. Impossible? No.
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