The Colts have endured four difficult years in the quarterback spot since Andrew Luck's departure in 2019, finishing the 2022 campaign with a 4-12-1 record.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young looms large as an early pick prospect, but the Colts would likely need to trade up from their No.4 pick to get access to him.
"I know all the speculation out there," Ballard told reporters at the NFL scouting combine. "To move up, there's got to be a guy worthy of it.
"Everybody has just automatically stamped that you've got to move up to one to get it right. I don't know if I agree with that. But that's going to be the narrative, and that's OK.
"If, when we meet as a staff and we say, 'OK, this is what we need to do. This is the guy for the next 10 to 15 years and we think he's the right guy,' we'll do it. But who's to say we won't get one at four?"
Ballard was clear when asked what it would take for the Colts to take an aggressive approach to acquire a QB like Young, replying: "That we were just convicted that this is no freaking doubt the guy."
During the post-Luck era, the Colts have never been better positioned to acquire a QB to solve their dilemma with the role.
Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and veteran Matt Ryan have been their most used starting QBs over the past four seasons respectively.
"It took a lot of freaking pain to get there," Ballard said in reference to earning the No.4 pick. "But when you're there, you need to take advantage of it."
The Colts will be led by new head coach Shane Steichen in the 2023 season, coming in from the Philadelphia Eagles where he was offensive coordinator to replace interim boss Jeff Saturday.
Hilton – a four-time Pro Bowler – re-aggravated the neck issue during Wednesday's final training camp ahead of their NFL season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 12.
Reich said the wide receiver would undergo further evaluation on the issue with a timeline to be confirmed after those results are received but admitted the 31-year-old will miss the season start.
"He will miss some games, we don't know exactly how many," Reich told reporters on Sunday. "We're optimistic it's not season ending. We don't know exactly how many games."
He added: "He was experiencing some discomfort during the trip to Detroit. So we took scans, it was a disc issue, so that's a complicated issue. More meetings, more evaluation to come, more opinions to come.
"Obviously want to do our due diligence there. We got all the right people on it. We'll just continue to meet with the doctors, work with their cue and move forward accordingly."
Hilton played 15 games for the Colts last season, with 762 receiving yards from 56 receptions and five touchdowns.
"When you're talking about a guy like T.Y. Hilton, him missing games, that's an obvious big blow because he's not only a great player but he's a great leader," Reich said.
"But it's just unfortunate — I had said several times to Chris [Ballard, Colts general manager], I really thought T.Y. was looking as good this training camp as I've seen him.
"He looked as fast as ever and as instinctive as ever. Even in the short time that he and [quarterback] Carson [Wentz] worked together, I could tell — instant connection. And I could feel that talking to Carson. So that's unfortunate. But the good news is we got good depth and the guys will step up."
"I believe there’s merit to removing him," Irsay told reporters gathered for the NFL owners meetings in New York on Tuesday. "There’s consideration that he should be removed."
His comments come as Snyder faces several scandals and investigations into workplace conduct in Washington. The league has been investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety.
Removing Snyder would be unprecedented and requires 24 votes from the other owners.
"I think potentially there could be, but we’ll see," Irsay said when asked if at least 24 owners would vote for removal.
"It’s something we have to review, we have to look at all the evidence and we have to be thorough and it’s something that has to be given serious consideration.
"I believe in the workplace today, the standard that the shield stands for in the NFL, that you have to stand for that and protect that. I just think once owners talk among each other they will arrive at the right decision."
Snyder’s problematic ownership became an issue again last week when ESPN reported, citing anonymous sources, that he has hired private investigators and told people he has enough information to expose fellow owners and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The Commanders released a statement saying the Snyders will not sell the team.
"It is highly inappropriate, but not surprising, that Mr. Irsay opted to make statements publicly based on falsehoods in the media,'' the statement said.
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Irsay decided to go public with his statement today, while an investigation is in process, and the team has had no opportunity to formally respond to allegations.
"The Commanders have made remarkable progress over the past two years. We are confident that, when he has an opportunity to see the actual evidence in this case, Mr. Irsay will conclude that there is no reason for the Snyders to consider selling the franchise. And they won't.''
Snyder then issued a second official statement addressing specific allegations made by the ESPN article, which he said contained "false and malicious statements".
"There is one allegation in the ESPN article that I feel it is important to address immediately," it says. "The article cited unnamed sources who said: 'they've been told that Snyder instructed his law firms to hire private investigators to look into other owners' and Commissioner Goodell.
"That is patently false and intended to erode the trust and goodwill between owners that I take quite seriously. I have never hired any private investigator to look into any owner or the Commissioner. I have never instructed or authorised my lawyers to hire any private investigator on my behalf for any such purpose. And I never would."
Tanya Snyder, the team's co-CEO, and Commanders president Jason Wright are representing the team at this week's owners' meetings.
Rivers, 38, signed a one-year deal with the Colts in March after entering free agency when he left the Chargers, where he had started every game since 2005.
The eight-time Pro Bowler is now determined to prove he can still cut it the coming season, having revealed he was well aware of suggestions he was past his best last year.
Rivers, who threw for 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, acknowledged he made "some very costly mistakes" but insisted there was also "so much good" as the Chargers finished with a 5-11 record.
"At times what may have aggravated me a little bit last year was [critics saying] that I couldn't play anymore," the veteran told reporters.
"When you heard that, it bothered me, because I wanted to go, 'Shoot, let's go turn on the tape and watch all the good things.'
"There were some bad plays, certainly some throws I want back and certainly some very costly mistakes. I own up to all those.
"There was so much good and I had some throws last year that were probably as good as I've had my whole career.
"I knew, so I didn't feel like I had to sell that to anyone. But at the same time, it did aggravate you little bit.
"I think it's okay to be aware [of criticism]. I'm one of those guys that likes to be aware."
Rivers spent the first 16 years with the Chargers, initially in San Diego and later in Los Angeles, before joining the Colts for the 2021 season.
During his solitary campaign in Indianapolis, Rivers led the team back to the playoffs with an 11-5 record, throwing for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdown passes.
He finishes his career ranked fifth overall for completed yards at 63,440 and touchdown passes with 421.
The 39-year-old played in 244 NFL games in total including 240 straight starts, which remains the second-longest streak for a quarterback behind the legendary Brett Favre (297).
Announcing his decision to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Rivers said: "It's just time. It's just right.
"It [his career] was awesome. A young kid from northern Alabama who grew up wanting to play pro ball. I got to do it.
"This is the first year I felt like the ending was real. We talked about it other years, but we knew we weren't doing it. This year felt different. It just seemed right."
Rivers is now set to embark on a new chapter in his life in Alabama, where he is to become the head football coach at St. Michael High in Fairhope.
"I can sit here and say, 'I can still throw it. I love to play.' But that's always going to be there. I'm excited to go coach high school football," he added.
"What has helped me come to this [decision] is the growing desire to coach high school football. That's what I've always wanted to do. It's been growing. I can't wait."
Castonzo was ruled out on Saturday due to a "knee/ankle" injury, joining Braden Smith on the sidelines. Smith was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday.
The news will be a blow for veteran quarterback Rivers as he prepares to face a Steelers defense that leads the NFL in sacks this year with 47.
Rivers has played three games without one of Castonzo or Smith this season and was sacked five times across those fixtures. In his 11 outings with the duo he has been sacked nine times.
Among quarterbacks to have started more than six games this season, only Ben Roethlisberger (12) and Drew Brees (11) have been sacked fewer times than Rivers (14), but he may now feel more exposed.
The Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot but will be looking to end a three-game losing streak at Heinz Field, where victory would see them secure the AFC North division title.
However, Indianapolis will be hoping to pile more misery on the Steelers and could book their place in the postseason with a win.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback went 29 of 39 for 308 yards and a touchdown, overtaking Marino (61,361 yards) as the Tennessee Titans were beaten 34-17.
The result sent the Colts top the AFC South and it was a particularly momentous outing for Rivers, who underlined just how much he looked up to Hall of Famer Marino.
"It's special, it's special," Rivers said. "Those guys up there on that list, I don't know that I'm in their category, and that's okay, but Dan Marino was on my wall.
"He was a poster on my wall as a young boy in Decatur and Athens, Alabama, so it's special.
"[I'm] thankful that I've been able to play long enough, thankful that I've been healthy enough to play over 230 in a row now, and watching Dan Marino, meeting Dan Marino at the Senior Bowl, playing against his teams, it's all special.
"It's all just special and [I'm] thankful that here, at 38, I'm still getting out here and competing and playing the game I love."
Rivers only needed three yards to climb above Marino and achieved the feat with his first pass of the game, connecting with Jonathan Taylor for 11 yards.
Colts coach Frank Reich lauded Rivers' composure after revealing a decision had been taken to go with a no-huddle approach the day before the game.
"Philip's just, he's in control," he said. "That puts him in the driver's seat, allows him to see everything and get us in the right play when he needs to, which he did with regularity tonight.
"He's just really good in that mode and he was accurate. Good decisions, good checks in the run game, good situational football. So, he was on point tonight, for sure."
Wentz is unvaccinated, so he will be out for at least five days if he is deemed to be a high-risk close contact with a positive coronavirus case.
The 28-year-old will not be available for 10 days if he returns a positive test, as per the NFL's protocols.
Rookie Sam Ehlinger looks set to make his first NFL start if Wentz is unable to face the Raiders on Sunday.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Brady says Ehlinger will be ready to step up if needed.
Brady said: "We go through the plan, [Ehlinger] goes through it and, like, okay, what are your top calls that you feel comfortable with? [It] Doesn't have to be all of them.
"And so, we have that separate call sheet for him ready to go. He goes through all the reads just like Carson does. He may not get the live rep, but he'll get it on the side. So, he's ready to go."
The Colts beat the Arizona Cardinals 22-16 on Christmas Day despite having several players on the COVID list.
Indianapolis had also added Jahleel Addae, T.J. Carrie, Malik Jefferson, Marlon Mack, Braden Smith and Chris Wilcox to the reserve-COVID list on Monday.
A win over Las Vegas at Lucas Oil Stadium would put the 9-6 Colts in the playoffs for the third time in four years under head coach Frank Reich.
Wentz, center Ryan Kelly and wide receiver Zach Pascal had to spend five days away from the team under NFL protocols because they are unvaccinated and came into close contact with a Colts staffer who tested positive.
The absence was especially unwelcome for Wentz, who missed three weeks of training camp after having foot surgery to address an injury suffered in practice on July 29.
The 28-year-old quarterback took most of the first-team snaps in Thursday's practice, the team's last workout before reconvening on Monday ahead of their September 12 opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
"I was frustrated, just like the other guys," Wentz told reporters. "Nobody wants to be out, especially when you're coming in here every day testing negative. I want to be out there, and I'm at home watching meetings from my office and all those things.
"It was frustrating, but I used the time to still get better with my foot, to stay locked in and watch some extra film. I was really excited to get back out there, finally."
Per NFL protocols, if Wentz and the others had been vaccinated, they would have had to sit out only if they also tested positive.
Most of the questions directed to Wentz were about his vaccination status, and he repeatedly called it a "personal decision" and an "ongoing process".
"This has been a fluid process for me this whole time," he said. "As a family, we've just been kind of monitoring everything we can, letting it play out as long as we can.
"This is where we're at today. Things could change in the next coming weeks. Who knows? Who knows where this world's going? Who knows where the protocol's going, if that'll change?
"I'm not going to act like I'm an expert on a vaccine or a virus, so that's just where we're at."
His remarks came a day after Colts general manager Chris Ballard said he "absolutely" believes everyone on the team should be vaccinated.
Wentz said that although Ballard and head coach Frank Reich have advocated for the vaccine, they have not pressured anyone.
"They've been great," Wentz said. "We're all smart. Competitively, of course they all want everyone to get it, and I respect the heck out of both of those guys for trusting me, bringing me in here, all of those things, but it's been a very healthy [conversation].
"They tell us the facts, they tell us their opinion, but there’s no pressure. It's said in the right way.
"We know what's at stake. We know as a team where we want to go, and we do know some of these things can hinder if we let them.
"That's why we've got to do everything we can to not let it be a distraction and be on top of the protocol."
Wentz had to be activated by 4pm eastern time on Saturday to be eligible for Sunday's game where the Colts can clinch a playoff spot with victory.
However, Wentz still has another hurdle to overcome, needing his COVID-19 symptoms to have resolved or improved by Sunday morning.
The unvaccinated QB tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week but under the new NFL protocols players can return after only five days if they are asymptomatic or demonstrate that their symptoms are lessening.
Wentz has thrown for 3,230 yards with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Colts, who have a 9-6 record.
The quarterback injured his foot during a training camp session on July 29 and had surgery on August 2.
He is set to return to practice just under three weeks before the Colts' September 12 opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
"You're going to see him out there on the practice field this week," Reich told reporters Sunday. "He'll be out there tomorrow taking some things."
Reich added: "He'll be limited but he will be participating."
The Colts acquired Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles in March and have yet to see what he can do in game conditions.
The 28-year-old QB is coming off the worst season of his five-year NFL career, as he completed just 57.4 per cent of his passes and threw a career-high 15 interceptions despite playing in only 12 games as he was benched in favour of rookie Jalen Hurts in December.
Wentz also was sacked 50 times, the most of any quarterback in the league.
In Wentz's absence, the Colts have started second-year QB Jacob Eason in both of their pre-season games, and he has turned in solid performances in a pair of wins.
Eason is 31 of 48 for 315 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Rookie Sam Ehlinger is the only other quarterback to see action and he has thrown three interceptions in 28 attempts.
The Eagles dealt NFL Super Bowl winner Wentz to the Colts in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 first-round selection.
Wentz – who signed a lucrative four-year, $128million contract extension in 2019 – was benched in favour of rookie Jalen Hurts in Week 13.
It spelled the end of Wentz' time in Philadelphia, where the Pro Bowler was drafted by the Eagles with the second pick in 2016.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it -- it wasn't fun," Wentz told reporters on Thursday, in his first comments since leaving the Eagles.
"It's not fun when things were going well for years and all those things.... As a man, you have to look yourself in the mirror and learn from it and become a better man, better player.
"It wasn't fun, it was difficult, but I did everything I could to be supportive of Jalen [Hurts] and my team-mates."
The 28-year-old Wentz ranked 23rd for completions (251), 34th for passing percentage (57.4), 25th for yards (2,620) and tied for 20th for touchdowns (16), while he was equal first for interceptions thrown this past season.
Philadelphia turned to rookie Nick Sirianni after Super Bowl-winning head coach Doug Pederson was fired following a 4-11-1 season.
"I've learned you're not going to make everybody happy," Wentz said amid reports he was not a good team-mate Philadelphia. "As much as you want to, you can't. It's unfortunate people have those opinions.
"I'm going to learn from it and try to be the best team-mate I can be. If there are team-mates who I don't think I was the best team-mate, I apologise, I wish I could be better. Last year was tough for everybody."
Wentz, who reunites with Colts head coach Frank Reich – the former Eagles offensive co-ordinator – added: "A lot of things in life we can't predict. A lot of crazy circumstances where you expect things to unfold. When you're drafted in a place like Philly you have a lot of high expectations and everything, but obviously the year didn't go as planned.
"Excited for this opportunity in Indy and be a part of something special that has already been created here."
Wentz joins a Colts team who are ready to contend in the playoffs, having narrowly lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round in 2020 after going 11-5 in the regular season.
Colts owner Jim Irsay said: "I can't emphasise how strongly I feel that Carson is the man for the job for the Colts at this time. There's been a lot at the quarterback situation that has happened over the last three years.
"To get someone I really do believe, after looking at this game for 50 years, I really think that he can be that guy that's the centerpiece and the guy who will be around with these teams we put together for the next decade that gives the Colts a chance for greatness."
Quarterback Wentz had only returned to practice last week following surgery to deal with a broken bone in his left foot, an injury that initially seemed set to rule him out for the start of the new NFL season.
"I'm optimistic, but we'll see how it responds," Wentz said after his first appearance on the practice field since July 29, having undergone the procedure on August 2.
"It's going to be up to the doctors, for sure. At the end of the day, as long as there's nothing that I can do to injure myself and make it worse, I know I've played through a lot worse. But it's going to come down to what the doctors say."
The former Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller was due to begin full-team reps as he stepped up his recovery, with the Colts aiming to get a better indication over his health ahead of Week 1 of the regular season, but that plan has now been scuppered.
When exactly Wentz will be available again, along with center Ryan Kelly and wide receiver Zach Pascal, who are the others to be placed on the list, is unclear.
Those players or members of staff who have been vaccinated can return after two negative test results 24 hours apart from each other, per NFL's health and safety protocols.
However, if someone from an NFL team tests positive having not received the vaccine, they will have to serve a 10-day isolation period. Anyone unvaccinated deemed to be a high-risk close contact must isolate for five days, as well as continue to return negative test results.
The Colts start the new season with a home game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 12.
After turning the ball over on two of their first three possessions, the Colts (3-4) steadied themselves and prevailed in wet, miserable conditions at Levi's Stadium in Week 7 of the NFL season.
The weather made things difficult on both teams, as both starting quarterbacks finished with fewer than 200 passing yards.
While Jimmy Garoppolo outgained Wentz 181 to 150 through the air, he could not make the plays when the 49ers (2-4) needed them in his return from a calf injury.
After hitting Deebo Samuel for a 14-yard touchdown that cut the Colts' lead to 20-18 early in the fourth quarter, Garoppolo threw interceptions the next two times San Francisco had the ball to seal a fourth straight defeat.
Wentz ran for a touchdown and threw for two more, icing the game with a 28-yard lob to Michael Pittman with just under three minutes to play.
Both teams' featured running backs for the night, Jonathan Taylor of Indianapolis and Elijah Mitchell for San Francisco, carried the ball 18 times for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Taylor suffered the injury on the Colts’ first possession of the game on a 13-yard reception.
The leading rusher in the NFL last season, Taylor has battled ankle soreness all this year and has missed three games this season due to ankle issues.
Taylor entered Week 15 ranked 11th in the league with 861 rushing yards in 10 games. His 86.1 rushing yards per game this season ranks fourth in the NFL.
The injury left Zack Moss and Deon Jackson to handle duties in the backfield as the Colts looked to avoid a seventh loss in their last eight games.
Taylor suffered the injury on the Colts’ first possession of the game on a 13-yard reception in Saturday's 39-36 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Last season's NFL leading rusher's campaign is over as players must a minimum of four games on injured reserve, with the 4-9-1 Colts out of playoffs contention.
Taylor has battled ankle soreness all this year and has missed three games this season due to ankle issues.
Taylor entered Week 15 ranked 11th in the league with 861 rushing yards in 10 games. His 86.1 rushing yards per game this season ranks fourth in the NFL.
Indianapolis had the chance to beat their AFC South rivals on Sunday, only for Blankenship to send a 42-yard attempt wide right.
The Colts, who came into the season as division favourites, ultimately had to settle for a disappointing 20-20 tie.
Blankenship, an undrafted free agent in 2020, played all 16 games for the Colts in his rookie year but was restricted to five outings last season as he battled with a hip injury.
Chase McLaughlin and Lucas Havrisik have been added to the Colts' practice squad and one of those kickers will be selected to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.
Earlier on Friday, the Colts closed their practice facility after being informed of "several" positive COVID-19 tests within the organisation – with no initial specification over whether those affected were players.
However, the four positive samples were then re-tested, and all found to be negative.
The Colts have therefore reopened their doors and will face the Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium, where there have been a limited number of fans at games.
"Earlier this morning, we were informed that four individuals with the organisation tested positive for COVID-19," the Colts said in a statement.
"The four positive samples were re-tested and have been confirmed negative.
"After consultation with the NFL and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills, the team will open the practice facility this afternoon under the league's intensive protocol and will continue preparation for Sunday's game against Cincinnati."
Prior to the team's announcement, owner Jim Irsay had delivered a positive update, tweeting: "All is well. Details shortly. COLTS-BENGALS, 1PM SUNDAY!"
The Colts are second in the AFC South at 3-2 following a 32-23 defeat to the Cleveland Browns last time out, while the Bengals are 1-3-1 after going down to a 27-3 loss at the Baltimore Ravens.
Having previously spent his entire career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers is said to have inked a deal worth $25million.
Rivers will be expected to start for the Colts ahead of Jacoby Brissett, who led the offense last year in a season that saw Indianapolis finish a disappointing 7-9.
The Colts tipped their hand that they would not be drafting a quarterback when they traded their first-round pick (13th overall) to the San Francisco 49ers for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Rivers, 38, looked very much like a player in decline in his final season with the Chargers. He passed for 4,615 yards and 23 touchdowns but was turnover-prone as he threw 20 interceptions.
Indianapolis will hope that playing eight games in their domed Lucas Oil Stadium will help revitalise Rivers in the twilight of his career.
Rivers' familiarity with Nick Sirianni, who spent two of his four years with the Chargers as the quarterbacks coach, may also have been a motivating factor in his decision to sign for the Colts.
His arrival in Indianapolis removes the Colts as a potential destination for Tom Brady, who earlier on Tuesday announced he would be leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons.
Taylor suffered a twisted ankle in Sunday's defeat to the Tennessee Titans but was hopeful that he would be able to feature in the opening game of Week 5.
"I definitely do plan to play, but if you can't go you can't go. That's why you have to get as much treatment as you can," he said on Tuesday.
However, the Colts announced on Wednesday that Taylor was among four players officially listed as out for the meeting in Denver, alongside safety Julian Blackmon (ankle), linebacker Shaquille Leonard (concussion/nose/back) and defensive end Tyquan Lewis.
Nyheim Hines is likely set to see increased usage on the ground in Taylor's absence, having largely been an aerial presence for the Colts this season – just 11 of his 124 yards in 2022 coming from rushing plays.
The Colts stand 1-2-1 for the season ahead of facing the Broncos, who they boast a 7-3 record against from their last 10 meetings.
