The Indianapolis Colts are grappling with a significant quarterback crisis following a series of injuries that have severely impacted their season. In a disappointing 36-19 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 3, 2023, starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the first quarter. He is expected to undergo surgery later this week, leaving the team in a precarious position.
Rookie QB Riley Leonard, who stepped in for Jones during the game, was poised to make his first start against the Seattle Seahawks on December 10, 2023. However, his participation is now uncertain due to a knee issue. Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on December 4 that Leonard is “working through a knee issue,” although he did not disclose specifics about the injury or when it occurred. When asked about Leonard’s availability for the upcoming game, Steichen stated, “That’s the hope. We’ll see how it goes.”
Leonard, drafted in the sixth round from Notre Dame, has been the team’s backup since Anthony Richardson suffered a facial fracture during pregame warmups against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Richardson remains on injured reserve and may not return this season. In his brief appearance against the Jaguars, Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards but threw one interception, raising concerns about his readiness to lead the team.
With Leonard potentially sidelined, the Colts face a troubling lack of options at quarterback. Brett Rypien, who last started for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2023 season, is the next available choice. If Leonard cannot play, Rypien would be activated from the practice squad. The fifth-year veteran has a 2-2 record as a starter, with a career passer rating of 59.9, which is significantly below the league average.
As the Colts navigate this challenging situation, they may look to acquire another quarterback from another team’s practice squad. Notably, Sam Ehlinger, who played for the Colts from 2021 to 2024 and is currently with the Denver Broncos, could be a potential target.
The Colts’ fortunes have taken a dramatic turn for the worse after a promising start to the season. With an 8-2 record, the team is now on a three-game losing streak, currently sitting third in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans (8-5) and the Jaguars (9-4). The worsening quarterback situation could further complicate their efforts to turn the season around, leaving fans concerned about the team’s future.
