Amid a COVID-19 breakout amongst other players on the roster, Carson Wentz couldn't keep dodging the inevitable and has tested positive for COVID-19, the Indianapolis Colts announced Tuesday. Wentz will be placed on the leagues' Reserve/COVID-19 list, potentially putting his availability for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders in doubt.
The Colts quarterback, who is still unvaccinated, will be forced away from team facilities for a minimum of five days. He is the 15th player on the roster to be placed on the reserve list, but clearly the most impactful.
Wentz may benefit from the NFL changing its protocols on Tuesday to meet new CDC guidelines set Monday. If five days have passed since the positive result was collected and symptoms have resolved — along with the requirement that 24 hours have passed without a fever — Wentz would be eligible to return from isolation.
Wentz is coming off of an impressive 225-yard, two-touchdown outing on Christmas Day against the Arizona Cardinals.
If Wentz is unavailable for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Indianapolis' playoff hopes would then rest in the hands of backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger.
The Colts currently sit in the sixth seed of the AFC playoff picture with a 9-6 record. The New England Patriots sit right behind in the third wild card spot, and then there are four other teams at 8-7, making these final two games extremely important for Indianapolis.
Ehlinger, who played his college ball at the University of Texas, has played sparingly in three games without throwing a single pass.
Follow Jasper Jones on Twitter: @jonesj2342
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
