Colts Claim Backup QB Charlie Whitehurst Off Waivers

The Indianapolis Colts announced today that the team has claimed QB Charlie Whitehurst off waivers from the Tennessee Titans.

Originally a 3rd round pick of the San Diego Chargers in the 2006 NFL Draft, Whitehurst has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and just recently the Tennessee Titans.

Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (12) against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The 10-year veteran hadn’t appeared in a game with the Titans this season. However, he made 5 starts for the Titans last season, completing 105 of 185 passes (56.8%) for 1,326 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions for a passer rating of 87.4.

Nicknamed “Clipboard Jesus”, Whitehurst is the son of former NFL quarterback David Whitehurst.

The 33 year old has made 9 career starts, so if nothing else, he at least has proven starting experience. Hopefully, it will never come to it, as he’ll be backing up Matt Hasselbeck in the short-term until Andrew Luck recovers from a lacerated kidney.

It’s worth noting that in 2 games starting against the Colts last season, Whitehurst was 24 for 51 (47%) for 249 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. 

It doesn’t appear that Whitehurst was the Colts first choice at backup quarterback, as the team previously tried to convince veteran quarterback Jason Campbell to come out of retirement.

Still, the Colts did well for themselves to find a competent backup quarterback this time of year, who has prior starting experience at that. Whitehurst likely wouldn’t light the world on fire, but he also wouldn’t embarrass the team either in a pinch.

For the Colts, the team will be hoping that Whitehurst is confined to holding the clipboard, especially having joined the team on such short notice. However, with proven quarterback experience, he remains a decent backup option all things considered.