The Indianapolis Colts are 9-6 and on a three-game winning streak.
Currently, the Colts are the fifth seed in a competitive and tight AFC playoff picture.
Things continue to be very fluid in the AFC playoff race. Take a look at how things currently stand with 2 weeks remaining. https://t.co/bcLVzpzmVi #NFL #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/emXBlL2zED
— Lineups NFL HQ (@lineups_NFLHQ) December 29, 2021
With games left against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts want to at least hold that position or try to overtake the Tennessee Titans and win the AFC South.
Now that Colts quarterback Carson Wentz has tested positive for COVID-19, the team has to figure out what to do at quarterback.
Here are three options for the Colts to consider.
3. Call Philip Rivers
The Colts are discussing the possibility of bringing in retired QB Philip Rivers with Carson Wentz now on the COVID list, per @zkeefer
Should the Colts bring back Rivers?
🔁 Yes
❤️ No pic.twitter.com/6UsHGFI9VU— PFF (@PFF) December 28, 2021
Philip Rivers has reportedly already gotten a phone call this season from the New Orleans Saints because of their quarterback catastrophe.
Though he retired, there is unfinished business.
He never won a Super Bowl.
This Colts team has all of the elements to be competitive.
And as an added benefit to Rivers, the offensive line is as stellar as it was last year.
MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor would be in his backfield so that would take a lot of pressure off of him as he eases back into the game.
Coach Frank Reich has a good relationship with Rivers and talks with him often.
Reich’s comments on his recent conversation with Rivers lacked a lot of detail.
“We’ve talked all year long. I’ve kind of followed his coaching career, talking about his high school team that he coached. I did talk to him fairly recently and he was on a Christmas vacation with his family. I have talked to him about our situation here, but there’s nothing further to report.”
2. Prepare Sam Ehlinger
"I think Sam's made for moments like this. I have a lot of confidence in him, he's got that special 'it' factor."
-Frank Reich, Colts head coach
We won't know until this weekend if Sam Ehlinger will get his first NFL start, but if he does, sounds like he'll be ready to roll pic.twitter.com/OBE54pbcKm
— Jeff Jones (@JeffJonesSports) December 29, 2021
Backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger is taking all of the snaps this week at practice in Wentz’s absence.
That goes a long way to helping him prepare for the game.
He will be ready to go if needed and may not fully know what happens until shortly before kickoff on Sunday.
Sam Ehlinger will work as the starter in practice for the #Colts this week, though Indy hoping Carson Wentz clears in time, thanks to the new protocols. https://t.co/yYmlwM59Vt
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 29, 2021
The Colts drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft at No. 218 overall.
Week 17 could be his first NFL start.
1. Play Wentz If He Is Eligible
From @GMFB: The NFL and NFLPA agreed on new COVID-19 protocols, changing the isolation time in accordance with the CDC. That could have a dramatic impact on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/CEDaxDDYxM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2021
The NFL and the NFL Players Association adopted new guidelines that could help Wentz become eligible much quicker than expected.
This is a total policy change, and the NFL attributes the change to the updated CDC guidance.
Regardless of vaccination status, players can play on the fifth day after testing positive as long as they do not have symptoms.
The medical clearance on that fifth day does not involve a negative COVID-19 test.
In Wentz’s case, the fifth day would be Sunday so Wentz could theoretically play against the Raiders.
Carson Wentz has been doubted by many this season. “Can he put the team on his back and win a game?” was on a lot of minds. Well, he delivered on Christmas Day with these plays. He showed that he has exactly what it takes. 📈🔥 (Video via @AndrewMooreSI) pic.twitter.com/6Jt4sbnZSi
— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) December 29, 2021
Conclusion
A COVID-19 diagnosis is never a good thing, and the speed of recovery varies from one person to the next.
The timing of Wentz’s test with all of these changes does help him get back quicker if he is feeling well.
If called upon, Ehlinger appears to be capable of running the offense and being competitive against the Raiders.
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