Colts QB Depth Chart: Sam Ehlinger Likely To Start For Indianapolis After Carson Wentz Hits COVID List
The Colts may have to navigate at least one of their last two games without a starting midfielder.
Carson Wentz was placed on the COVID list on Tuesday, December 28. The 28-year-old midfielder has not been vaccinated, so under current NFL regulations he will need to be in quarantine for a minimum of 10 days before back to the team.
However, there have been discussions that the federation could reduce the mandatory quarantine period to five days in light of recent changes to CDC guidance. If that happens, he may not have to miss the Colts Week 17 game. However, the Colts should probably prepare as if they won’t have Wentz for this Sunday’s game, just in case.
Indianapolis currently leads 9-6 and is the 5th seed in the AFC playoff race. They have faced an uphill battle for the AFC South title and they will likely have to try to stay in the crowded race after the season without their top four defensive quartet.
Luckily, The Colts have a strong running game led by MVP contender Jonathan Taylor and a great offensive line to boot. That strong supporting cast could prove important to the Colts, as they’ll likely give a rookie job the start during their Week 17 meeting with the Raiders.
Here’s how the Colts’ current QB depth chart changes with Wentz on the COVID list.
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Colts depth chart QB
1. Sam Ehlinger
Well, the Colts’ backup for Carson Wentz is a sixth-round rookie. Ehlinger was a star in Texas, where he was the initiator for most of his four years with the show. He threw 11,436 yards, 94 touchdowns and 27 interceptions, while also scoring 1,903 more dashing yards and 33 hasty touchdowns. He doesn’t have the biggest arm, but he is maneuverable and has a knack for avoiding being intercepted by Longhorn.
Ehlinger, 23, has played rarely as a rookie. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback played 18 snaps and ran three times in the nine metres. In pre-season, he completed 21 of 31 288-yard passes but had three interceptions and no TDs. He also ran 55 yards in three competitions before that season.
If the Colts start Ehlinger, expect them to use his running ability to compliment Taylor. While Wentz is portable, Ehlinger can add more to the offense in a sort of read-optional role, so don’t be surprised if Frank Reich and the Colts offense take a slightly different approach to Ehlinger began.
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2. Brett Hundley
Ehlinger is the only quarterback the Colts have on their 53-man roster aside from Wentz, but Hundley has been around the team since signing them at the end of July. He has been back between the active lineup and the practice lineup for most of the season and has become a backup pick and third string for the team.
Hundley was selected by the Packers in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft and he made 9 appearances for the team in 2017. He completed 60.8% of his passes for 1,836 yards, 9 touches. ball and 12 interceptions. He ran for 270 yards and two touchdowns and led the team to a 3-6 record.
Since then, Hundley (6-3, 226 pounds) has served as a reserve for the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Colts. The 28-year-old player has only released 11 passes since 2018. He has a similar style of play to Ehlinger, thanks to his good mobility, he is an ideal backup plan for rookies.
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3. James Morgan
Morgan has been with the Colts for just over three weeks. The Jets’ former 2020 fourth round pick has signed with Indy’s training team to add more midfield depth to their roster.
Morgan, 24, has risen to prominence throughout her brief career. He spent his first season with the Jets before being cut and joined the Steelers, Panthers and Jets practice teams before joining the Colts.
Morgan played college at Bowling Green and Florida International. He completed 57.2% of his passes in 8,654 yards, 65 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. He stands at 6-4, 229 pounds and will likely remain on the training team unless the Colts decide to wear three quarterbacks.
