Indianapolis, December 9, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts are grappling with a critical quarterback situation following injuries to key players, including a season-ending tear for Daniel Jones. With the team struggling after a loss to the Jaguars and desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive, they are considering bringing back veteran Philip Rivers for support. Rookie Riley Leonard, who also recently sustained an injury, is expected to step in if healthy, leading to significant uncertainty for the team’s upcoming games against competitive opponents.
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Colts are currently grappling with a quarterback crisis, stemming from a string of injuries to their key players. Following a disappointing 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. In an effort to manage the situation and bolster their roster, the Colts are bringing in former quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout, contemplating his return to the team.
Daniel Jones’ Season-Ending Injury
Daniel Jones’ abrupt exit from the field exemplifies the harsh realities of professional football. The injury occurred in the first quarter, where Jones ruptured his right Achilles tendon without any direct contact. The young quarterback had been a pivotal force for the Colts, achieving impressive stats with 3,101 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His absence removes a significant pillar from the Colts’ offensive strategy, placing greater pressure on the team to secure wins as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive with an 8-5 record, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South.
Backup Quarterback Riley Leonard’s Injury
Stepping in for Jones during the game, rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was not immune to the injury woes as he also suffered a knee injury. Though it remains uncertain, Leonard is expected to take the field in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, pending his recovery. This uncertainty further complicates the Colts’ plans, highlighting the challenges that come with player injuries, particularly at the quarterback position.
Consideration of Philip Rivers’ Return
In a proactive move, the Colts are considering the return of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers. At 44 years old, Rivers’ wealth of experience and intimate knowledge of the Colts’ system make him a strong candidate to step in during these turbulent times. Having led the Colts to the playoffs in his final NFL season in 2020, Rivers could provide the team with invaluable support as they grapple with the current quarterback shortage.
Current Quarterback Depth Chart
With both Jones and Leonard nursing injuries, the Colts’ quarterback depth chart includes:
- Riley Leonard – Rookie quarterback, expected to start if healthy.
- Brett Rypien – Veteran quarterback currently on the practice squad, with the potential for promotion to the active roster.
- Anthony Richardson – First-round draft pick, sidelined since October due to a fractured orbital bone, still not medically cleared to return.
Upcoming Schedule and Playoff Implications
The Colts face an uphill battle in their upcoming schedule, which features matchups against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. These games are pivotal for the team as they strive to navigate their quarterback crises while attempting to secure a playoff berth in the highly competitive AFC South division.
About Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers boasts an illustrious career as an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback, renowned for his outstanding performance with over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes. Retiring in 2020, Rivers concluded a 17-year career divided between the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts. He is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, highlighting the impact he has made on the sport.
Colts’ Recent Performance
The Colts have experienced a dip in performance recently, highlighted by their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking their fourth defeat in five games. This downturn has raised significant concerns surrounding their playoff prospects, pushing the team to find viable solutions and enhance their performance in the remaining games of the season.
Injury Updates
As the Colts work through these quarterback injuries, they remain dedicated to providing their fans and stakeholders with timely updates concerning player statuses and recovery timelines. Staying informed via official team communications and media will be crucial during this critical period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Daniel Jones?
Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, 2025. He will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Who is replacing Daniel Jones?
Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard replaced Jones during the game. Despite sustaining a knee injury, Leonard is expected to start in the upcoming Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, pending his recovery.
Is Philip Rivers returning to the Colts?
The Colts are considering bringing back veteran quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout, with the possibility of adding him to their practice squad. Rivers retired after the 2020 season but is familiar with the team’s system and could provide immediate support.
What is the current quarterback depth chart for the Colts?
The current quarterback depth chart is as follows:
- Riley Leonard – Rookie quarterback, expected to start if healthy.
- Brett Rypien – Veteran quarterback on the practice squad, potential promotion to active roster.
- Anthony Richardson – First-round draft pick, sidelined since October due to a fractured orbital bone, not yet medically cleared to return.
What are the Colts’ upcoming games?
The Colts’ upcoming schedule includes games against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. These matchups are crucial for the team’s playoff aspirations.
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Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Daniel Jones’ Injury | Season-ending torn Achilles tendon during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, 2025. |
| Riley Leonard’s Status | Expected to start in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, pending recovery from a knee injury. |
| Philip Rivers’ Potential Return | Scheduled for a workout with the Colts, with the possibility of joining the practice squad. |
| Quarterback Depth Chart | Includes Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien, and Anthony Richardson, with varying levels of availability. |
| Upcoming Schedule | Games against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. |
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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.
