The Indianapolis Colts are in a bit of a quarterback conundrum following the positive COVID-19 test submitted by Carson Wentz on Tuesday. While the NFL's new COVID protocols would enable Wentz to return before Sunday's matchup, should he be asymptomatic, there's no guarantee that he'll be able to play. Well, head coach Frank Reich and the Colts are exploring virtually every possible option ahead of their Week 17 matchup with the Raiders, and that includes reaching out to former quarterback Philip Rivers, per George Bremer.
Reich confirms he has talked with Philip Rivers about the #Colts "situation." Nothing further to report at this time.
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) December 29, 2021
Reich admitted that the Colts held a conversation with Rivers regarding their quarterback situation, but ultimately nothing materialized between the two sides. While it would have been incredible to see Rivers back on the field, this was likely too short of notice for the 40-year-old who retired last year.
So, with Rivers officially out of the picture, Reich revealed what the team's current plans are for their must-win matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Via Bremer, Reich said the team is planning to start rookie Sam Ehlinger at quarterback in Week 17, acting under the assumption that Wentz won't be available. However, Reich pointed out that if Wentz clears protocols in time for Sunday, he would return to the starting lineup to face the Raiders.
Colts fans should be hopeful that Wentz can make it back to the field in time for Week 17's battle, which will have significant playoff implications throughout the AFC. Ehlinger has no NFL experience under his belt, so sending him out there for a pivotal matchup would be a sizable risk. After Ian Book's performance for the Saints in his NFL debut, that is likely a route the Colts would prefer to avoid.
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