Colts contacted Rivers after Wentz's placement on COVID list

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Colts contacted retired Philip Rivers in wake of Carson Wentz's placement on COVID list

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/29/21

No sooner had quarterback Carson Wentz entered the NFL's COVID-19 protocol that Indianapolis Colts fans began wondering if the team was going to ask veteran Philip Rivers to come out of retirement and lead them into battle on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

As of Wednesday morning, however, a comeback doesn't appear to be happening.

Colts head coach Frank Reich did tell the media he has spoken with Rivers this week. However, those conversations don't appear to be percolating quite like fans likely hope.

Frank Reich has had some conversations with Philip Rivers of late, he says, but at this point, nothing happening on that front. Colts will move forward with Sam Ehlinger at QB if needed, but my gut tells me Wentz will be back and start. Wild week.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 29, 2021

This isn't to say that fans don't have faith in Sam Ehlinger -- just that the rookie QB doesn't have much NFL experience yet and they would feel more comfortable with a seasoned vet under center. Rivers led the Colts to an 11-5 record in his only season with the team before hanging up his cleats.

There is still a possibility that Wentz, who is unvaccinated and tested positive on Tuesday, will be available to play on Sunday now that the NFL has shortened the mandatory quarantine time for all players from 10 days to five.

That being said, there are probably plenty of Colts fans out there still holding out hope that Rivers will be on the field wearing a Colts jersey on Sunday, especially given Rivers' track record against the Raiders.