Carson Wentz activated from Colts' COVID list in time for Week 17 start

The Indianapolis Colts will likely have Carson Wentz in their Week 17 starting lineup after all. The quarterback was activated from the COVID/Reserve List by the team on Saturday and is expected to start against the Las Vegas Raiders, so long as he's officially cleared Sunday morning.

Wentz, 29, landed on the list after testing positive Tuesday. Under previous guidelines, Wentz would've missed at least 10 days, but the NFL and NFLPA agreed earlier this week to cut quarantine times to five days. That meant Wentz could return Sunday if he clears protocols, which is likely now that he's been added back to the active roster.

If Wentz missed the game, the Colts were prepared to start rookie Sam Ehlinger, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ehlinger has appeared sparingly in three games so far this season, but he's only rushed three times and has yet to throw a pass. The Colts even reached out to their 2020 starter Philip Rivers after Wentz landed on the COVID/Reserve list.

Indianapolis acquired Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles in a March trade. Through 15 games with the Colts, Wentz has thrown 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. 

The Colts are currently one game behind the Tennessee Titans for the lead in the AFC South, although they have already lost twice to the Titans. The likelier path to the postseason for Indianapolis is as a wild card team. The Colts can clinch a playoff berth Sunday with a win.