Indianapolis, December 20, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts are making notable changes at the quarterback position as Anthony Richardson returns to practice after recovering from an injury. Despite this development, veteran Philip Rivers will start in the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. The team’s recent struggles have raised questions about their playoff chances. With Richardson’s uncertain status and Rivers’ experienced leadership, the Colts aim to stabilize their performance as they face a tough opponent in San Francisco.
Indianapolis, Indiana – As the NFL season progresses, the Indianapolis Colts are making headlines with significant changes at the quarterback position. The team recently announced that quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared to practice after recovering from a fractured orbital bone. Despite this promising news, veteran Philip Rivers will continue to lead the team as the starting quarterback in their upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
After suffering an injury during a pregame warm-up accident in mid-October, Richardson was placed on injured reserve. While he has now been cleared to practice, head coach Shane Steichen has decided against activating him for the game on Monday night. The timeline for his return to the active roster is still uncertain, raising questions about the future of the Colts’ quarterback situation for the remainder of the season.
With veteran Philip Rivers recently signed out of retirement, the Colts aim to steer their season back on track. Rivers stepped in after starting quarterback Daniel Jones endured a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, and backup Riley Leonard sustained a knee injury. In his first start in nearly five years against the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers showcased his experience by completing 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While the Colts fell short in that match, Rivers’ presence brings a seasoned and stable influence in a time of uncertainty.
### The Performance Context of Anthony Richardson
Richardson’s journey in the NFL has been riddled with challenges, as he has been able to start only 15 games out of a possible 48 due to various injuries. This season has been particularly tough, as his completion percentage stood at 47.7%, which was the lowest among NFL starters. However, Richardson remains optimistic about his recovery and eager to return to the field, reflecting the resilience often seen in Indianapolis athletes and businesses alike.
### The Colts’ Current Standing and Future Outlook
As the Colts prepare to face a tough opponent in San Francisco, they are in a precarious position. With an 8-6 record, they have experienced a downturn, losing four consecutive games. This streak has prompted a shift in momentum, dropping the team out of the playoff contention in the AFC South and into the No. 8 slot in the conference standings. As Indianapolis residents rally around their team, they hold onto hope that Rivers can lead them toward a turnaround, leveraging his experience to stabilize the situation.
### The Importance of Leadership in Challenging Times
The ever-changing dynamics of the Colts this season emphasize the crucial role of leadership within sports teams, much like any successful business. The ability to adapt, pivot, and maintain a forward-thinking approach can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Rivers’ return offers a wealth of experience that can help the team not only in the current game but also as they navigate through adversity.
### Conclusion
As the Colts gear up for this critical game against the 49ers, attention is firmly on the dual quarterback storylines—Rivers steering the ship for now, while Richardson’s future remains a point of speculation. This situation highlights the extraordinary resilience demonstrated both on the field and in the broader context of our community.
As Indianapolis continues to face its own set of challenges in business and sports, supporting our local teams and entrepreneurs becomes all the more essential. Engaging with our community and backing those who strive for success can bolster the fabric of our city’s economy and spirit.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the current status of Anthony Richardson?
Anthony Richardson has been cleared to start practicing after recovering from a fractured orbital bone. However, he will not be activated for the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers, and his return for the remainder of the season remains uncertain.
2. Why is Philip Rivers starting for the Colts?
Philip Rivers was signed out of retirement last week after starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon and backup Riley Leonard sustained a knee injury. Rivers made his first start in nearly five years on December 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.
3. How has Anthony Richardson performed in his career?
Richardson has been limited to 15 starts and 17 total appearances out of 48 possible games due to various injuries. His completion percentage of 47.7% in 2024 was the lowest among NFL starters.
4. What is the current standing of the Indianapolis Colts?
The Colts (8-6) have lost four consecutive games, dropping out of the AFC South lead and into the No. 8 slot in the conference standings, which would leave them out of the playoffs.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Anthony Richardson’s Status | Cleared to practice; not activated for upcoming game; return uncertain |
| Philip Rivers’ Role | Signed out of retirement; starting quarterback for upcoming game |
| Richardson’s Career Performance | 15 starts; 47.7% completion percentage in 2024; various injuries |
| Colts’ Current Standing | 8-6 record; lost four consecutive games; out of playoff contention |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
