Indianapolis, December 28, 2025
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared to return to practice after recovering from an orbital fracture. This news comes as fans eagerly anticipate his performance in the upcoming game against the Jaguars. His absence left the Colts in a quarterback scramble following Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury, making Richardson’s return crucial for the team’s prospects. As the Colts prepare for a pivotal matchup, the potential impact of Richardson’s recovery on the season is drawing attention from both fans and analysts.
Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson Cleared for Practice
Will His Return Impact the Colts’ Season?
Indianapolis, Indiana – After a two-month absence due to an orbital fracture, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared to return to football activities. This injury, which occurred during pre-game warmups on October 12, 2025, has left fans and analysts eager to see if he will be ready for the Colts’ pivotal matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025.
Richardson sustained his injury when a resistance band snapped, causing an impact to his right eye. Although he was placed on injured reserve shortly after the incident, his recent clearance for practice offers a hopeful outlook for his return. The status of his activation from the injured reserve list remains uncertain, as the Colts have not outlined a definitive timeline for him to rejoin the active roster.
A Shift in Quarterback Dynamics
Before his injury, Richardson was locked in a competitive battle with quarterback Daniel Jones for the starting role. However, the situation took a critical turn when Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear on December 14, 2025. This left the Colts without a clear starting quarterback, prompting the team to sign veteran Philip Rivers to the practice squad. Rivers, who last played in the NFL in 2020, started in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, highlighting the team’s immediate need for experience under center.
Colts’ Strategy Moving Forward
Richardson’s potential return to the field could significantly influence the Colts’ strategy in the final stretch of the season. As the team evaluates his practice performance in the coming days, fans are optimistic about the possibility of witnessing the young quarterback’s athleticism and playmaking ability back in action. The Colts are keen on crafting a game plan that maximizes the strengths of whichever quarterback takes the field, underscoring the importance of adaptability in high-stakes scenarios.
Fans and Analysts React
The anticipation surrounding Richardson’s return is palpable. Supporters of the Colts are hopeful that he can bring a spark to the team’s offense, while analysts note that his presence could enhance the overall performance, especially in critical games. As the Colts look to maintain momentum during the season’s home stretch, the focus will shift not only to the players on the field but also the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff.
Conclusion
As the Colts gear up for their next game against the Jaguars, the return of Anthony Richardson remains a key topic of discussion. His recovery highlights the resilience of athletes and the unpredictability of a football season filled with challenges. Fans are encouraged to stay engaged and support the team as they navigate the complexities of their current roster situation and aim for success in the weeks to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What injury did Anthony Richardson sustain?
Anthony Richardson sustained an orbital fracture to his right eye during pre-game warmups on October 12, 2025, when a resistance band snapped and impacted his eye.
When was Richardson placed on injured reserve?
Richardson was placed on injured reserve on October 13, 2025, following his injury the previous day.
Has Richardson been activated from injured reserve?
No, Richardson has not been activated from injured reserve as of December 28, 2025. The Colts have not provided a timeline for his return to the active roster.
Who is currently playing quarterback for the Colts?
Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who had been out of the NFL since 2020, was signed to the practice squad and started in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Colts’ quarterback situation remains fluid as they prepare for their next game.
When is the Colts’ next game?
The Indianapolis Colts are scheduled to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM PST.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury | Orbital fracture to right eye during pre-game warmups on October 12, 2025 |
| Injured Reserve Placement | October 13, 2025 |
| Activation Status | Not activated as of December 28, 2025; no timeline provided for return |
| Current Quarterback | Philip Rivers, signed to practice squad and started in Week 15 against Seattle Seahawks |
| Next Game | December 28, 2025, against Jacksonville Jaguars at 10:00 AM PST |
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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.
