Carson Wentz activated from COVID-19 list on Saturday, will likely start for Week 17

Saturday update: The unvaccinated Wentz gets a break with the NFL loosening their COVID-19 protocols and has come off the list in time to start against the Raiders. He still needs to be officially cleared, but that is the expectation.

Friday update: Wentz will have been on the COVID-19 list for five days come Saturday and if he is asymptomatic, he will be removed from the list and play in Week 17, per Zak Keefer. Keefer believes he will play.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, making his status for Week 17 uncertain. The Colts starter is not vaccinated, which means he would have to miss five days if he is a close contact and ten days if he has tested positive.

The Colts host the Raiders in Week 17, with the line for Raiders-Colts opening at Colts -8.5 this week. Immediate response to Wentz’s potential absence has dropped the line to Colts -6.5. We’ll keep an eye on line movement as the week progresses and we receive more news about Wentz’s status.

The Colts have been on a roll of late, winning six of seven top improve to 9-6. They are on the verge of a playoff spot, but now have to likely pivot to backup Sam Ehlinger if Wentz can’t clear the COVID-19 protocols. If Wentz tested positive, he is out for Week 17. If he was a close contact, there’s a slim chance he could return by Sunday.