Indianapolis, Indiana, December 9, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts are actively pursuing quarterback options following Daniel Jones’s season-ending Achilles injury. Reports indicate the team is considering veteran Philip Rivers for a potential return, while rookie Riley Leonard’s status is uncertain due to a knee injury. The Colts also have Brett Rypien available on their practice squad, adding to their roster flexibility as they prepare for upcoming games against the Seattle Seahawks and beyond.
Colts Pursue Quarterback Options After Season-Ending Injury
Team looks to bolster quarterback lineup following a tough loss
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Colts are in search of quarterback reinforcements after the unfortunate season-ending Achilles injury of Daniel Jones. Reports suggest the team is slated to bring in veteran quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout, potentially adding him to their practice squad. At 44 years old, Rivers brings a wealth of experience, having capped off his career with the Colts in the 2020 season, where he led the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance.
Jones suffered his injury during a challenging 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, an incident that occurred late in the first quarter without contact, stirring an emotional response as he left the field. Colts head coach Shane Steichen recognized the gravity of the situation, noting Jones’s commitment and resilience throughout the season. As the team adapts to these alterations, they are committed to maintaining their competitive edge.
Rookie Standout Faces Challenges
In the wake of Jones’s injury, rookie quarterback Riley Leonard took the reins, completing 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, alongside one interception and a rushing touchdown. However, Leonard now faces uncertainty with a knee injury, raising concerns about his participation in the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Steichen has made it clear that Leonard’s status is uncertain, prompting the franchise to consider its options seriously.
Experience at the Ready
The Colts also feature veteran quarterback Brett Rypien on their practice squad, who joined the roster in mid-October. With prior experience with teams such as the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota Vikings, Rypien has made four NFL starts, appearing in a combined total of 11 games, including playoff outings. His presence could provide a layer of stability as the Colts navigate these uncertain times.
Philip Rivers: A Possible Return
The prospect of Philip Rivers’s return is particularly notable, as he ranks seventh in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards and sixth with 421 touchdown passes. His leadership and battlefield experience could play a crucial role in steering the Colts through the remainder of the season, should he be added to the roster. The connection between Rivers and the Colts community remains strong, and his potential resurgence is being met with excitement.
Recent Developments
- December 7, 2025: Daniel Jones suffers a season-ending Achilles injury during a 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- December 8, 2025: Reports emerge that the Colts are planning to bring in Philip Rivers for a workout to potentially join their practice squad.
- December 8, 2025: Riley Leonard, who replaced Jones, is reported to have a knee injury, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Colts’ Upcoming Schedule
- December 14, 2025: Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks
- December 21, 2025: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
- December 28, 2025: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
- January 4, 2026: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Conclusion
The Indianapolis Colts find themselves at a pivotal moment as they seek to fill the gap left by Daniel Jones’s injury. The potential addition of Philip Rivers could not only provide the experience needed on the field but also inspire confidence in the Colts’ fanbase. It is a testament to the resilience of the coaching staff and players to adapt and overcome adversity. As the team prepares for the upcoming schedule, supporting local athletes and staying engaged with the evolving Indianapolis small business and sports community remain essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Daniel Jones?
Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during a 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, 2025. The injury occurred late in the first quarter without contact, leading to an emotional reaction from Jones as he exited the field.
Who is replacing Daniel Jones?
Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard stepped in to replace Jones during the game against the Jaguars. Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, one interception, and a rushing touchdown. However, Leonard is now dealing with a knee injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Is Philip Rivers returning to play for the Colts?
Reports indicate that the Colts are planning to bring in former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout, potentially adding him to their practice squad. Rivers, who turned 44 on Monday, retired after the 2020 season, his final year with the Colts. During that season, he led the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance.
What is the status of Brett Rypien?
Veteran quarterback Brett Rypien is on the Colts’ practice squad, having joined the team in mid-October. Rypien has previous experience with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota Vikings, making four NFL starts and playing in a total of 11 games.
What are the Colts’ upcoming games?
The Colts have the following games scheduled:
- December 14, 2025: Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks
- December 21, 2025: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
- December 28, 2025: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
- January 4, 2026: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Daniel Jones’ Injury | Season-ending Achilles injury during a 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, 2025. |
| Riley Leonard’s Status | Rookie quarterback who replaced Jones; now dealing with a knee injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks. |
| Philip Rivers’ Potential Return | Reports indicate that the Colts are planning to bring in former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout, potentially adding him to their practice squad. |
| Brett Rypien’s Role | Veteran quarterback on the Colts’ practice squad, having joined the team in mid-October. Rypien has previous experience with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota Vikings. |
| Upcoming Games | December 14, 2025: Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks; December 21, 2025: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts; December 28, 2025: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts; January 4, 2026: Indianapolis Colts at 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.
