Colts Place Carson Wentz on COVID-19 List, Status in Question for Sunday

The Colts are scheduled to fight for their playoff lives on Sunday.

Colts quarterback Carson Wentz has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Tuesday. He tested positive for the virus, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Wentz is unvaccinated and will be out at least 10 days under the current NFL COVID-19 protocols. 

We have placed QB Carson Wentz on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. pic.twitter.com/5gb4bOmVQf

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 28, 2021

However, those protocols are reportedly changing. The NFL is shortening quarantine time to five days for those who are asymptomatic, per ESPN. If that were the case, Wentz could play this Sunday if he had no symptoms.

Nevertheless, his status is in question for Sunday’s game against the Raiders, with the Colts fighting for their playoff lives.

Wentz has started every game for Indianapolis this season. In his 15 appearances, he has thrown for 3,230 yards and 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions. If Wentz is out, Sam Ehlinger will likely get the start. 

The rookie out of Texas has yet to take a snap during an NFL regular season game but will likely get his chance this Sunday. Wentz is the 13th player on the team to enter protocols and the seventh starter. 

Now 13 Colts are on the Covid list, including seven starters and the franchise QB. We'll see if NFL protocols change, but at this point, this knocks out Wentz — who remains unvaccinated — for 10 days. He could return for the season finale in Jacksonville next Sunday.

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 28, 2021

On Monday, the CDC announced that quarantine time for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be shortened from 10 days to five days if asymptomatic. And the NBA has reportedly shortened there quarantine time from 10 days to six days. 

The Colts (9–6) are scheduled to host the Raiders (8–7) Sunday and kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. 

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