The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for a big Christmas showdown against the Arizona Cardinals this Saturday, but they will be without several starters along the offensive line. On Friday afternoon, the team announced that it had placed All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
While the NFL has updated their COVID-19 protocols to allow vaccinated individuals to “test out” of protocol more quickly, Nelson being placed on the list just over 24 hours before kickoff makes it seem as though his chances of suiting up are slim.
Nelson is regarded as one of the best players in the NFL. He’s been a first-team All-Pro ever since he entered the league, and has made the Pro Bowl all four seasons as well. This season has been a bit tough for him, however, as he missed three games due to injury. Nelson hadn’t missed a game in his first three seasons.
Unfortunately for the Colts, Nelson won’t be the only starting offensive lineman missing from the lineup if he can’t clear protocols in time. Indy already ruled out center Ryan Kelly due to a personal matter, and right guard Mark Glowinski is on the reserve/COVID-19 list as well. This makes life harder for star running back Jonathan Taylor, who leads the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He has run in a score in 11 straight games, which is tied for the fourth-longest streak in NFL history. In the 27-17 win over the New England Patriots last week, he rushed 29 times for 170 yards. Over the last four contests, Taylor has rushed for at least 143 yards three times.
