Colts’ Late Search for Veteran Quarterback Sparks Urgency
The Indianapolis Colts are experiencing a critical situation in their quarterback roster. They recently announced a workout for former quarterback Philip Rivers, who last played in the team’s playoff game in January 2021. This move has raised eyebrows across the league.
Colts Face Quarterback Crisis
The Colts have struggled significantly after starting their season with a promising 7-1 record. They have since lost four consecutive games, leading to a heightened urgency in finding a reliable veteran quarterback.
Injury Challenges
- Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered an orbital fracture before Week 6.
- Rookie Riley Leonard experienced an injury after his debut.
- Starting quarterback Daniel Jones has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career.
After these setbacks, the Colts find themselves in a challenging position. The team has not secured a backup veteran to step in effectively. The arrival of Rivers indicates a lack of viable options in the free-agent market.
Missed Trade Opportunities
The Colts had a window of 22 days after Richardson’s injury to pursue a trade for a veteran quarterback. However, they opted to rely on Leonard and Brett Rypien. With Leonard injured and Jones out for the season, their choices have dwindled.
Free agents like Taylor Heinicke and Sam Ehlinger, who might have been considered, are seemingly not the preferred options. Thus, bringing in Rivers reflects a desperation as the Colts adjust to a new reality without their primary quarterbacks.
Historical Context
If the Colts continue down this path, they risk becoming the sixth team since the NFL’s merger in 1970 to miss the playoffs after a strong start of winning seven of their first eight games. The urgency to secure a veteran quarterback has never been more pronounced.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Rivers during the upcoming workout. The Colts must navigate this roster crisis carefully as they hope to turn their season around.
