Carson Wentz, Ryan Kelly, Zach Pascal end up on Reserve/COVID-19 list

Once again, another round of unvaccinated players from the Indianapolis Colts are having a negative impact on the team. After Eric Fisher and Quenton Nelson first joined the Reserve/COVID-19 list last week, now three more key starters have joined them: Carson Wentz, Ryan Kelly and Zach Pascal.

The main takeaway here is that all of these players are unvaccinated. Also, on the defensive side, Darius Leonard and Julian Blackmon are the notable players unvaccinated.

Indianapolis has one of the worst vaccination rates in the NFL, and it could lower once the 53-man roster is finalized. With five projected starters recently hit with NFL health and safety protocols, it throws a loop into how the Colts can begin preparations for their regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

Unless more Colts get vaccinated, this will be a weekly issue that could cost the team multiple games throughout the season. If a player is unvaccinated, a close contact case results in having to sit out five days, which is what all of these have been for Indianapolis recently. However, if a player is vaccinated, there is no period where they need to sit out.

It’s a massive difference, and one that could easily impact actual game outcomes for the Colts if nothing changes soon for players still unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine.