Colts G Quentin Nelson: Philip Rivers dealing with 'a really bad problem in his foot'

The Indianapolis Colts are attempting to make the playoffs after making it only once in the past five years, but guard Quentin Nelson says they will have to do so with a hobbled quarterback, as he told The Athletic's Stephen Holder that Philip Rivers is playing with "a really bad problem in his foot."

It could be lingering effects of a toe injury Rivers suffered while blocking during the Colts' win over the Green Bay Packers in late November. The veteran quarterback missed a couple of snaps during the game but has not missed any time due to the injury. 

Rivers has been an iron man in his career, not missing a single game since taking over the starting job for the Chargers in 2006. He has started all 233 games since then, which is currently the most in the NFL and only puts him behind three players in NFL history. Rivers even played in the 2007 AFC Championship Game despite having a torn ACL.

If Rivers is forced to miss time, the Colts will turn to backup Jacoby Brissett in his place. Brissett was the primary starter for Indianapolis last season, leading the team to a 7-8 record. The Colts are scheduled to play the Houston Texans this Sunday.

In his first season in Indianapolis, Rivers has put up solid numbers while keeping the Colts firmly in the playoff mix. While there are questions about his ability to compete in the postseason, it's hard to argue that Rivers has not been the Colts' best option at quarterback since Andrew Luck's retirement.