The Indianapolis Colts are set to start Carson Wentz for Sunday's showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, as the veteran quarterback was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday -- and he will start in the Week 17 matchup. Under the NFL's new COVID protocols installed this week, Wentz only needed to quarantine for five days instead of 10 (Wentz is unvaccinated).
Wentz just needed to get clearance from the doctors Sunday before being allowed to start for the Colts, and he did so early Sunday morning (per Stacey Dales of NFL Network). Indianapolis also activated starting right tackle Braden Smith and cornerback T.J. Carrie from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Wentz has enjoyed a bounce back season for the Colts, his first year in Indianapolis after being traded by the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. He's completed 62.8% of his passes, throwing for 3,230 yards with 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions for a 96.4 passer rating. After being sacked a league-high 50 times in 2020, Wentz has been sacked just 25 times this season, which has helped his overall performance.
The Colts are currently 9-6 and sit as the No. 5 seed in the AFC standings. Indianapolis will clinch a playoff berth with a win over Vegas on Sunday, so having Wentz back is huge towards making that happen.
