NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 26:Indianapolis Colts Offensive Guard Quenton Nelson (56) walks off under his own power after getting hurt during and NFL Game between the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans on September 26, 2021 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.

Colts' Nelson won't face Cardinals after joining COVID-19 list

Icon Sportswire / Getty

The Indianapolis Colts are headed into Saturday's much-anticipated matchup against the Arizona Cardinals without three starting offensive linemen.

Indianapolis placed All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson on the COVID-19 reserve Friday, ruling him out for Week 16.

Nelson's status for next week's contest versus the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 3 is also uncertain, according to CBS Sports' Mike Chappell.

The Colts had already ruled out starting center Ryan Kelly due to personal reasons and guard Mark Glowinski, who's also on the COVID-19 list.

With Quenton Nelson and Mark Glowinski now on the COVID list, Coach Reich tells me Chris Reed will start at LG and Matt Pryor at RG.

Both started multiple games earlier this season.#Colts
— Larra Overton (@LarraOverton) December 24, 2021

Indy has one of the NFL's most reliable offensive lines. Opposing defenses have only sacked quarterback Carson Wentz 23 times this season - third-lowest in the league - and the club's offense has averaged an NFL-high 5.2 yards per rushing attempt so far.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor currently leads the league in carries (270), yards on the ground (1,518), and scrimmage touchdowns (19).