Indianapolis, December 8, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts are set to work out former quarterback Philip Rivers due to Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury. Rivers, a retired QB and eight-time Pro Bowl player, may be brought back to provide depth at the position. Jones suffered the injury late in a loss to the Jaguars, leaving the Colts with a 7-5 record. Rookie Riley Leonard has stepped in as the starting quarterback, and the team examines its options as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Seahawks.
Indianapolis, IN – Colts to Work Out Former QB Philip Rivers After Daniel Jones’ Season-Ending Injury
The Indianapolis Colts are set to bring in former quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout following the season-ending Achilles injury sustained by Daniel Jones. The 44-year-old Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, is being considered to bolster the Colts’ quarterback depth amid current challenges.
Jones, 28, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the Colts’ 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 exit from the field. Jones had been playing through a fractured left fibula in recent weeks. In his first season with the Colts, he accumulated 3,101 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His absence leaves the team with a 7-5 record, trailing the Jaguars in the AFC South division.
Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard replaced Jones in the game against Jacksonville, completing 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, one interception, and a rushing touchdown. Leonard is expected to start in the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, despite dealing with a knee injury sustained during the same matchup. Additionally, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with a broken orbital bone and has not been medically cleared to return. Veteran Brett Rypien is currently on the practice squad.
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback, spent 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Colts in 2020. He retired after that season, finishing his career with over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who was Rivers’ offensive coordinator during his final year with the Chargers, is reportedly interested in bringing Rivers back to provide veteran leadership and depth to the quarterback position.
The Colts’ quarterback situation has been tumultuous since Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019. The team has cycled through several quarterbacks, including Jacoby Brissett, Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Anthony Richardson. The addition of Jones was intended to provide stability, but his injury has once again left the team seeking solutions at the quarterback position. As the Colts prepare for their next game against the Seahawks, the team is evaluating its options to ensure continuity and competitiveness in the remainder of the season.
Key Features of the Indianapolis Colts’ Quarterback Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Daniel Jones’ Injury | Torn right Achilles tendon during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, 2025, leading to his season-ending absence. |
| Riley Leonard’s Role | Rookie quarterback expected to start in the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, despite dealing with a knee injury sustained during the same matchup. |
| Anthony Richardson’s Status | Former first-round pick remains sidelined with a broken orbital bone and has not been medically cleared to return. |
| Philip Rivers’ Potential Return | Eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback being considered for a workout to provide veteran leadership and depth to the quarterback position. |
| Team’s Recent Performance | Colts have a 7-5 record, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South division, and are seeking solutions to maintain competitiveness in the remainder of the season. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What injury did Daniel Jones sustain?
Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the Colts’ 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 exit from the field. Jones had been playing through a fractured left fibula in recent weeks. In his first season with the Colts, he accumulated 3,101 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His absence leaves the team with a 7-5 record, trailing the Jaguars in the AFC South division.
Who is replacing Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback?
Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard replaced Jones in the game against Jacksonville, completing 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, one interception, and a rushing touchdown. Leonard is expected to start in the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, despite dealing with a knee injury sustained during the same matchup. Additionally, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with a broken orbital bone and has not been medically cleared to return. Veteran Brett Rypien is currently on the practice squad.
What is Philip Rivers’ role with the Colts now?
Philip Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback, spent 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Colts in 2020. He retired after that season, finishing his career with over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who was Rivers’ offensive coordinator during his final year with the Chargers, is reportedly interested in bringing Rivers back to provide veteran leadership and depth to the quarterback position.
How has the Colts’ quarterback situation evolved over recent years?
The Colts’ quarterback situation has been tumultuous since Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019. The team has cycled through several quarterbacks, including Jacoby Brissett, Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Anthony Richardson. The addition of Jones was intended to provide stability, but his injury has once again left the team seeking solutions at the quarterback position.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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.
