Colts calling Philip Rivers on the table with Carson Wentz on COVID list
By Jakob Ashlin
With Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Indianapolis Colts have reportedly discussed signing veteran quarterback Philip Rivers.
On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts placed starting quarterback Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Wentz will now be in danger of missing the Colts’ matchup on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, which will have major playoff implications for the team. The Colts can officially clinch a playoff spot with a victory this week.
If Wentz is out, rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger would be in line to start. The Colts selected Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
In addition, Brett Hundley and James Morgan are on the team’s practice squad. Hundley started nine games for the Green Bay Packers in 2017 posting 1,836 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Morgan was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He has yet to play an NFL snap.
But perhaps there’s another option out there.
The Colts have reportedly discussed signing Philip Rivers
With a playoff spot potentially on the line on Sunday, the Colts could elect to sign a veteran quarterback. According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, the front office has discussed bringing back Philip Rivers, who started for Indianapolis last season before retiring.
Rivers started 16 games for the Colts last season recording 4,169 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Rivers retired following last season, but he has expressed interest in a potential return. In an interview with Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, Rivers said the following on the subject:
"“I’m just going to stay ready. I want to make sure I’m very clear: I’m not predicting I will play in December or January, for that matter. One, you’ve got to have somebody who wants you, and two, it’s got to be right. But I have not completely ruled that out.”"
If the Colts indeed reach out to the longtime starting quarterback, we’ll have to see what his answer is, especially this late in the regular season.