RSS Colts Team Notes

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Week 13 QB Analysis: I’m impressed

Thanks to the nflFastR project, Pro Football Focus and NFL NextGen Stats for the timely sources of data.

For those of you new to this, I will publish key QB stats each week judging how well the Colts’ QB performed. Yes, O-Line, receivers, and play-calling impact these numbers but they are primarily QB measures. I will probably modify the charts throughout the season. Commentary will be brief but feel free to let me know in the comments that stats aren’t everything. (click charts for larger view)

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HOW WELL?​

This was a game where you can’t look at the scoreboard and determine how well Daniel Jones performed. Well, you should never do that — but many people try anyway… QB winzzz! The past few weeks, I haven’t felt great about how Jones was playing, but this game went a long way toward allaying those fears.

His 0.13 EPA per play isn’t a great number, but it isn’t bad — and he was facing the best passing defense in the league. Houston allows opposing QBs an average of -0.11 EPA per play. Read that again: that’s negative EPA per play. Jones was well, well above that baseline.

Now, his success rate is a different story — 40% is pretty poor — but even that is higher than what the Texans usually allow. And considering he was playing with a fractured fibula, he performed much better than I expected.

The first quarter was a slog, and he posted seven negative plays in a row. But the 2nd, 3rd, and the first part of the 4th quarter were simply brilliant — big positive plays, and only a handful of limited negative ones. Unfortunately, he ended with 3 incompletions and a turnover on downs.

His last few weeks have been shaky, but this was a clear bounce-back. His EPA was above average, his 1st-down conversion rate was right there as well, and his yardage efficiency was very good.

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HOW FAR?​

As I mentioned earlier, he had a great partial game that was book-ended by a lot of incompletions. Extreme pressure and a few receiver drops certainly contributed to that. But he also hit much longer completions this week than he has in a while — 8.3 adjusted yards per attempt is ridiculously high for a 53.6% completion rate.

You can see in these next graphs how his passing depth returned to normal, and his completion depth is almost off the chart. In fact, it can’t go off the chart because the 100th percentile is the maximum — and Jones hit that.

I’ve said this many times, but Jones doesn’t rely on YAC for his efficiency — he relies on passing depth, which is the exact opposite of how he operated in New York.

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TO WHO?​

Pierce had a day and Warren had unusally low production.

Because of that, Warren has actually handed the season yardage crown to Pierce… for now.

I would’ve liked to see Pittman a lot higher in this chart, but the overall trendline for the receivers is normal — RBs with short, lower-value targets, then the TEs have deeper targets with more value, then the WRs.

This one still amazes me and makes me happy. Almost all of the receives are above the league average value line.

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HOW ACCURATE?​

His accuracy was the worst of the season, so that’s not good.

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HOW FAST?​

Just like against the Chiefs, pressure forced him to get the ball out earlier than he wanted. That was a key problem for him in New York. On the season, though, he’s gotten the ball out quickly relative to the depth of his throws — and that’s a really, really good sign.

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TO WHERE?​

He distributed the ball across the field really well, but his longer passes were far more successful than his shorter ones. I see that as forced checkdowns rather than designed throws.

Very little red on the season chart. He doesn’t really favor one side of the field either.

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DASHBOARD​

mouseover definitions: epa/d, median EPA gain in similar game situation (down, distance, etc.)”>arsr, 3 yards to gain in game-neutral situations”>edp, opd, pr%, tip, ttt, adot, ay/c, yac, yacoe, yd/c, ac%, cpoe, aypa, scr%, ta%, sck%, aa%, aay, ny/d, ny/p, 1st%, td%, to%, 0″>qbsr epa/p, adj/p

Here’s what happened in week 13:

• Even though JT had some nice carries, the run game struggled overall. Despite that, the Colts kept a balanced attack (29th ARSR, 17th EDP).
• Jones faced the most pressure of any QB in Week 13, and he countered it with quick throws (1st PR%, 28th TTT). Think about that — he got rid of the ball super quick, and he still faced the #1 pressure rate. Yikes.
• Despite the fast throws, he didn’t sacrifice depth — neither on his attempts nor on his completions (12th ADOT, 1st AY/C).
• With the longer throws came limited YAC, but he still produced the longest completions of the week (24th YAC, 1st YDS/C).
• One big negative is his low completion rate (30th AC%), which was partly due to the 2nd-highest team drop rate. Despite that, he still accumulated the 7th-best adjusted yards per attempt (before throwaways).
• Given the pressure he faced, it’s impressive that he didn’t abandon many passing attempts. He had no scrambles (injury?), a low throw-away rate, and only one sack (28th SCR%, 22nd TA%, 25th SCK%). That kept his abandon rate low, which helped keep his yardage efficiency high (30th AA%, 5th NY/D).
• Unfortunately, that great yardage didn’t translate into a lot of first downs, but he did throw a couple of TDs and no turnovers (18th 1st%, 6th TD%, 25th TO%).
• That all translates to a 16th-ranked EPA efficiency and a much lower 25th-ranked success rate, which tells the story of how big plays pulled the overall value up.

Considering he was playing hurt against the Houston defense, I call that game a win for Jones — even if it didn’t translate into a win for the Colts. As hard as that game was to watch, it actually made me feel much better about the rest of the season.

For the past few games, I saw the New York Giants version of Jones, who was folding under pressure. Not this game. He made good decisions, reacted quickly, and threw a lot of big passes. As odd as it sounds after a 16-point effort, I actually feel like he’s back on track… I just jinxed it, didn’t I?

mouseover definitions: ay<, dp%, ay/c, yac, yd/c, ac%, aypa, drp%, aypa, ta%, ypa, sck%, ny/a, scr%, ny/d, car%, ny/p, 1st%, any/p, td%, any/p, to%, any/p, epa/p, opd, adj/p

On the season, I have Jones ranked 6th in overall efficiency. However, he has faced the 4th-toughest slate of opposing pass defenses, so he gets bumped up to 3rd in adjusted overall efficiency. Amazing.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-an...118667/colts-week-13-qb-analysis-im-impressed

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Why the Weather in Jacksonville Should Change Everything for the Colts

Weather doesn’t usually dominate NFL conversations, but it absolutely should this week in Jacksonville. Forecasts are calling for persistent rain, cooler temperatures, and a damp field throughout the day. That combination matters a lot. When the surface is slick and the ball is wet, the game slows, margins tighten, and teams that insist on playing fast and loose through the air often pay for it.

Rain impacts far more than just deep passing. It affects footing at the line of scrimmage, timing at the top of routes, exchanges in shotgun, and ball security in traffic. Quarterbacks grip the ball differently. Receivers shorten and round routes. Defensive backs slip just as often as wideouts. The result is a messier, lower-efficiency version of football where every possession carries more weight. In those conditions, explosive plays become harder to execute and turnovers become far more likely.

That’s why game planning matters so much in weather like this, and why the Colts should lean into a more physical, controlled approach. Grinding the game down isn’t about being conservative — it’s about reducing variance. In rain, the risk-reward balance of throwing changes dramatically. A six-yard run isn’t glamorous, but it’s safe. It keeps the clock moving, flips field position slowly, and forces the opponent to earn everything the hard way. On the road, in bad weather, that’s often exactly how wins are manufactured.

For Indianapolis, the weather almost screams for a Jonathan Taylor-centric game plan. Taylor is a downhill runner who thrives on volume, patience, and defensive fatigue. I’ve written articles this season about him being the closer for the team. Sloppy footing actually works in his favor: one missed tackle, one defender slipping out of a gap, and a four-yard run becomes ten. Repeated carries also wear on a defense’s legs, which is especially important on a wet surface where recovery and lateral movement are compromised. Long, methodical drives don’t just protect the ball; they take oxygen out of the stadium.

The other side of the coin is what rain does to the passing game. Timing routes are harder to hit. Vertical shots turn into coin flips. Pressure gets home faster when linemen can’t anchor. Defenses don’t have to blanket receivers when conditions already limit precision. In that environment, dropping back repeatedly invites disaster: sacks, fumbles, tipped balls, or one mistake that tilts the game. Even quarterbacks playing “well” statistically can lose control of the game in a handful of bad snaps.

A wet-field game also places a premium on field position and clock control. Punting doesn’t hurt as much when drives are hard to sustain. Pinning an opponent deep becomes valuable when explosive offense is harder to sustain. Every three-and-out feels heavier because stringing together long drives is more taxing. That style of game rewards patience, discipline, and physical dominance — traits that don’t show up in highlight reels but decide ugly road games.

For Shane Steichen, this isn’t just a weather adjustment — it’s a coaching test. Weather removes excuses. There’s no space for overthinking, no room for pass-happy stubbornness, and no benefit to chasing pretty plays. The best game plans in bad weather are often the simplest: run the ball, protect possession, live to fight the next snap.

None of this guarantees a Colts win. Rain can be unpredictable, and weird things happen in weird conditions. But refusing to adapt almost guarantees trouble. In a division race, on the road, with postseason stakes attached, the Colts can’t afford to play a version of football the weather doesn’t allow. This has all the makings of a grind-it-out game — the kind decided by toughness, restraint, and who makes fewer mistakes.

When the margins shrink, decision-making expands in importance. Jacksonville’s weather won’t decide the game by itself. But how the Colts react to it just might.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-an...nville-should-change-everything-for-the-colts

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

AFC Playoff Picture: Indianapolis Colts drop in wild card race

With their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts fell behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild card race in addition to falling further behind the Jags in the AFC South. With a Houston Texans win on Sunday night, the Colts would fall out of playoff position entirely.

The Denver Broncos won on Sunday to move into first place while the New England Patriots were idle on a bye. The Pittsburgh Steelers control the AFC North right now after beating the Baltimore Ravens. Not a whole lot of meaning there in those division leaders anyway unless the Colts can go on a run.

The Los Angeles Chargers play on Monday night against the Eagles. A loss by them would drop them into a tie with Indy at 8-5.

The Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs play each other on Sunday night in a huge AFC playoff game.

AFC standings during Week 14​

1. Denver Broncos (11-2, 7-2 AFC)
2. New England Patriots (11-2, 6-2 AFC)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
5. Buffalo Bills (9-4)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
7. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
8. Houston Texans (7-5)
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6, 3-4 AFC)
10. Baltimore Ravens (6-7, win over MIA)
11. Miami Dolphins (6-7, loss to BAL)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
13. e-New York Jets (3-10)
14. e-Cleveland Browns (3-10)
15. e-Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
16. e-Tennessee Titans (2-11)

The Tennessee Titans were eliminated from playoff contention as were the Las Vegas Raiders. The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns joined them in Week 14.

AFC South standings during Week 14​

The Jags won and Colts lost, obviously. The Texans play Sunday night. The Tennessee Titans won and fell from the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for now.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
3. Houston Texans (7-5)
4. Tennessee Titans (2-11)

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ure-indianapolis-colts-drop-in-wild-card-race

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts-Seahawks opening odds: Things have certainly changed

The Indianapolis Colts are headed to the west coast to take on the Seattle Seahawks in week fifteen. This is a game that some fans may have had circled on the calendar a month ago as a huge game and test for this team. It could have been an opportunity to test the validity and mettle of the 2025 Colts. Now, it is an “escape without being totally embarrassed” type of game. The season took a terrible turn on Sunday, and FanDuel Sportsbook has adjusted in kind. The Colts are 10.5-point underdogs in this one. Ouch.

The money line starts at +460 while the over/under is 43.5.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get much worse, the wheels completely fell off the Colts’ season yesterday. On the first throw of the first possession, Daniel Jones threw it straight to the defender and was intercepted. That resulted in a quick Jaguar’s score. Fortunately, the Colts were able to rebound and punch it in on a Jonathan Taylor touchdown. None of that matters now as Jones tore his Achilles and is out for the season. Riley Leonard took over, but it was simply too much. The Jaguars offense couldn’t be stopped, and the Colts couldn’t muster any threat on their end.

The Seahawks are not to be messed with this year. At 10-3, Sam Darnold is showing that Minnesota wasn’t a fluke. Things started off slowly, but then the stars came out for Seattle. In the second half, Jaxon Smith-Nigba caught two touchdowns from Darnold and Cooper Kupp tacked one on as well. A 6-6 game at the half turned into a total romp with a final score of 37-9. Returning home to face a Colts backup quarterback should have the Seahawks licking their chops. They have work to do to overtake the Rams, but they will fully welcome the Colts in for a visit next week.

The Colts have been favorites for much of the year. They have been road dogs as well but nothing like this. Obviously, when the quarterback goes down with a season ending injury, the odds will change. The Colts probably would have been underdogs regardless. Now, with the odds plummeting and Daniel Jones lost for the season, the Colts will do what they can to make sure the season isn’t lost as well.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ks-opening-odds-things-have-certainly-changed

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts to host Philip Rivers, 44, for workout ahead of final month

The Indianapolis Colts reached out to a retired signal caller in hopes of finding a solution to the active quarterback conundrum and will fly in 44-year-old retired quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout at the team facility on Tuesday.

Rivers was celebrating his 44th birthday when he received the offer to fly into Indianapolis. The eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback has not played in the NFL since the 2020 season, when he finished his career fueling one last playoff run with the Colts. Indianapolis has not reached the playoffs since Rivers’ last NFL game.

.@AdamSchefter reports on the Colts planning to work out 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers on Tuesday.

He last played in the NFL in 2020. pic.twitter.com/YVm9lI66i2

— ESPN (@espn) December 9, 2025

Rivers has strong ties to Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who moved up the ranks in the Los Angeles Chargers organization across two stints in nine seasons from defensive assistant, to quality control coach, to quarterbacks coach, to offensive coordinator. During the four seasons Steichen was the quarterbacks coach, Rivers ranked second in the league in passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes. Steichen took over play-calling duties as interim offensive coordinator for the Chargers in the final seven games of the 2019 season and was promoted to full-time offensive coordinator in 2020.

It’s absolutely bonkers to think how just one month ago, the Colts left Berlin with the best record in the NFL at 8-2, following a massive overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons. Fast forward to this past weekend, when the Houston Texans beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football to momentarily seize the final wild card spot over Indianapolis after Week 14. After three straight losses, the Colts sit at 8-5 with just four games left to reinsert themselves back into the playoff picture and must do so without their starting quarterback.

Colts QB Daniel Jones will miss the rest of the season after he suffered a ruptured Achilles against the Jaguars, Head Coach Shane Steichen confirmed in an announcement on Monday. Jones was in the midst of a dream resurgence in his newly found home, but collapsed to the grass with a season-ending, non-contact injury at the end of the first quarter in Jacksonville. The 28-year-old signed a one-year, $14 million deal with intentions to take the reins in Indianapolis, but a nine month absence could and probably will derail those long-term plans that were seemingly resurrected after a sensational 7-1 start with the Colts in 2025.

Rookie QB Riley Leonard took over after Jones exited the game and finished 18-of-29 passing for 145 passing yards with one rushing touchdown and one interception in Sunday’s 36-19 loss to the Jaguars. To make matters worse, Leonard walked into Monday’s practice dealing with soreness in his right knee. The Colts cannot plan to start a rookie, who had no experience with the starting unit before this past Sunday and will also miss practice this week while recovering from his knee injury.

Third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve, while recovering from a broken orbital bone he suffered during a bizarre pre-game incident in Week 6. Richardson will not be activated for Week 15 and it would be a Christmas miracle if he could return for the final three games. The next possible return for Richardson would be two weeks away in a Monday Night Football showdown against the San Francisco 49ers inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Richardson has played just 14 snaps this season and has completed only one pass, to himself…

Rivers is a father of 10 kids and the grandfather of his one-year old grandson, born to his oldest daughter. The Colts reached out to Grandpa Phil to help steer the ship on a desperate final push at the playoffs.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ip-rivers-44-for-workout-ahead-of-final-month

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Riley Leonard’s Unexpected Chance to Claim the Colts’ QB Job

Assuming Riley Leonard is fully healthy, he has a big opportunity in front of him.

The Colts enter the final four games of the season without clarity at the most important position in football — not because they lack options, but because none of those options are firmly settled. Daniel Jones’ future is murky. Anthony Richardson is under contract and still developing. And the draft and trade markets offer no easy answers. That uncertainty creates a rare evaluation window for Leonard, who now finds himself with the keys to a functional offense and a legitimate chance to change how the organization views its quarterback room heading into 2026.

The biggest contextual factor here is draft capital — or the lack of it. The Colts do not hold a first-round pick, and without premium draft positioning, they’re effectively priced out of the top rookie quarterback market. Even if a passer they liked somehow slid, the cost to move up would be prohibitive. Quarterback-needy teams don’t just pay first-rounders anymore; they pay multiple years of flexibility. For a roster with looming contract decisions and aging veterans, that’s not an attractive path.

That reality changes how teams think. When the top of the draft isn’t accessible, evaluation shifts inward. Development matters more than projection. Live NFL reps matter more than college numbers. Teams begin asking a different question: can someone already in the building become usable, reliable, or even competitive faster and cheaper than an outside solution?

That’s where Riley Leonard enters the equation.

The free-agent landscape doesn’t offer much relief either. Starter-quality quarterbacks rarely reach the open market unless there’s a reason. And if one does, the cost usually exceeds their functional value. Indianapolis doesn’t project as a team that can or should overspend at quarterback this offseason, especially without full clarity on how the current pieces might shake out.

Daniel Jones was supposed to provide that clarity — or at least stability. Instead, his Achilles injury introduces more uncertainty than reassurance. The injury itself is significant; Achilles tears remain one of the most difficult lower-body injuries for quarterbacks to return from in any meaningful way. Even when players come back on schedule, explosion, mechanics, and confidence aren’t guaranteed to follow. Mobility takes time, and confidence in movement sometimes never fully returns.

Jones’ contract status further complicates things. He’s a pending free agent. The Colts don’t know when he’ll be healthy enough to return. They don’t know how effective he’ll be once he does. And they certainly don’t know if committing long-term to a quarterback rehabbing a major injury makes sense without another option ready behind him.

That doesn’t eliminate Jones from the 2026 conversation — but it does put it on pause.

Anthony Richardson remains part of the plan, too, but his situation isn’t as clean as contract language suggests. Yes, he’s under contract. Yes, the upside is undeniable. But development hasn’t followed a straight line, and the organization knows better than anyone that talent alone doesn’t guarantee availability, consistency, or command of an offense. Richardson could absolutely be in the running for the starting job next season — especially if Jones isn’t ready on time — but the Colts can’t afford to treat that outcome as a certainty.

And that’s the theme tying all of this together: uncertainty.

When uncertainty exists at quarterback, teams don’t just search externally. They test internally.

That’s what makes Leonard’s four-game window so meaningful. He isn’t just stepping in to finish a season. He’s entering a structured evaluation period at a time when the franchise needs answers and has limitations on how to acquire them.

Leonard gets something few backup quarterbacks ever receive: continuity. He’s not being thrown into a broken offense or asked to survive chaos. He’s practicing with starters. He’s being given weeks, not days, to prepare. He’s operating behind an offensive line that has performed well this season and receivers who have all had great highs.

He’s also inheriting something else crucial: a good offense. The Colts’ system is functional when executed on schedule. It’s built on defined reads, spacing concepts, quarterback mobility, and situational efficiency. Leonard doesn’t need to transform it — he needs to run it. And his skill set matches more cleanly than people might think.

Leonard can move. That alone changes the geometry of the field. Designed quarterback runs, bootlegs, read options, and broken-play extensions all become part of the weekly plan. In a league that increasingly values quarterbacks who can stress defenses horizontally, Leonard’s running ability isn’t a gimmick — it’s offense.

But this isn’t just about legs. Leonard also gets to showcase his passing ability under real conditions, not relief duty. Timing throws. Third-down conversions. Red-zone decisions. Can he deliver the ball on schedule? Can he avoid negative plays? Can he protect possession while still pushing the ball when opportunities are there?

Those questions matter far more than raw yardage totals.

Another underrated element of this opportunity is preparation. Leonard didn’t parachute into this role. He’s spent most of the season watching a quality quarterback operate the system — seeing protections called, identifying coverages, managing tempo. That time matters. Backup quarterbacks often say the biggest growth leap comes from seeing game plans executed correctly for months before they’re asked to do it themselves.

Leonard now gets to test whether that absorption translates under pressure.

From the Colts’ perspective, this evaluation is efficient. Four real games provide more clarity than an entire offseason of speculation. If Leonard struggles, the team learns. If he functions, the team gains optionality. And if he surprises, the organization suddenly has leverage it didn’t think it would have.

This isn’t about crowning a starter today. It’s about expanding the decision tree tomorrow.

Leonard doesn’t need to be spectacular. He needs to be trustworthy. He needs to show composure, adaptability, and command. If he can do that, he forces his way into the conversation — not just as insurance, but as a legitimate plan in a quarterback landscape that suddenly feels thinner than expected.

Four games won’t determine everything. But they might determine whether Riley Leonard is still considered “depth” come spring — or whether the Colts view him as something more.

And in a league where quarterback questions dominate every offseason, being part of that conversation is often how careers truly begin.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-an...s-unexpected-chance-to-claim-the-colts-qb-job

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts announce roster moves, placing QB Daniel Jones on IR among them

On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts announced a number of roster moves, including placing starting quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) and backup cornerback Chris Lammons (foot) on injured reserve.

The Colts also signed cornerback Cameron Mitchell to the active roster and re-signed cornerback Tony Pride Jr. to the team’s practice squad again.

With veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward also in the concussion protocol, having suffered his third concussion of the season this past Sunday, the Colts clearly were looking to bolster their cornerback depth with some familiar faces—having both Ward and Lammons out of action for Week 15 on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

Of course, the big news of the day is that 44-year-old since retired longtime veteran quarterback Philip Rivers was reportedly re-signed, only this time around, to the Colts practice squad.

Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, who suffered a strained knee ligament during this past Sunday’s loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, could have his availability determine whether Rivers starts on Sunday. It could also depend on how well Rivers practices the remainder of the week ahead of a notoriously stingy Seahawks defense.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...oves-placing-qb-daniel-jones-on-ir-among-them

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Phillip Rivers to the Colts in 2025 is Poetic Perfection

When telling the story of the NFL, there are many chapters and footnotes one must remember to encapsulate what this sport and league is all about. The Colts in their lengthy history have no shortage of these to tell.

They can range wildly in tone and emotions. From a heartwarming story of players rallying behind a coach stricken with leukemia to make miraculous comeback victories to the playoffs.

To the tragic cautionary tale of a quarterback not given enough support around him and medically retiring early in a career thought to be destined for greatness. The Colts truly can encapsulate the full human experience of watching football and its vast spectrum of emotions that come with game we love.

“I’ll always have guilt about how it ended, I let my teammates down.”

Luck talking to @zkeefer about his sudden retirement.

Full article: https://t.co/uxq31LGtsj pic.twitter.com/rJmUGNYJ8T

— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) August 18, 2025

The 2025 Colts season might just embody the emotional highs and lows alongside the pure unpredictability this game brings. One day you can be 8-2, atop of the AFC and pushing for a 1 seed. You have a Running Back in the rarified air of MVP consideration in the modern era. An All Pro Corner is joining your revamped secondary in a massive midseason blockbuster trade. Your new veteran Free Agent Quarterback is in the midst of a career that can earn him a hefty paycheck with two healthy legs underneath him. The sun is shining, the leaves are pretty autumn hues, and somewhere the late Jim Irsay is smiling.

Current AFC Playoff Picture. #Colts still holding on to the top seed. #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/D0WHXmCQDU

— Angela Moryan (@AngelaMoryanTV) November 3, 2025

Then a month later you are 8-5, and outside of the playoff picture. Your Running Back has potentially been passed in Offensive Player of the Year consideration. That All Pro Corner is week to week with a calf injury, and his fellow star Corner has suffered his 3rd Concussion of the season. Your star Defensive Tackle has been missing for the last month and needed stem cell surgery and treatment with a neck injury.

And that possible franchise QB on his way to a hefty payday? He was dealing with a fractured fibula on one leg before tearing his Achilles in the other leg on a non contact play. His top backup can’t suit up in his stead due to a freak pregame accident involving a pole breaking and hitting his face while he was using a resistance band, requiring orbital bone surgery near his eye. The backup’s backup comes in for his first meaningful NFL action and is now week to week with knee soreness, leaving his status up in the air.

The Daniel Jones Achilles injury is awful in so many ways.

But I do want to shed a light on his toughness.

He was already playing with a broken bone in his fibula… Then he ruptured his Achilles and still chose to walk off the field instead of using a cart.

And later in the… pic.twitter.com/tDoKxrqNdK

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 8, 2025

You would be justified in feeling a lot of emotions after the whiplash of this past month. Anger. Sadness. Frustration. Hopelessness even. You’ve started looking toward the 2026 Draft for some hope, but the same emotions bubble up to the surface again when you remember the Colts don’t have their 1st Round Pick in 2026 and 2027 thanks to the in hindsight ill-timed all-in trade.

And then, one notification changes everything.

The #Colts are planning to bring potential Hall of Fame QB Philip Rivers into their facility Tuesday to work out to see if he may join their practice squad, per me & @MikeGarafolo.

This is real. Daniel Jones’ season is over, Riley Leonard will start, but Rivers may be an option. pic.twitter.com/H3tQW2R3s7

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2025

Phillip Rivers. Uncle Grandpa Phil. The sidearmed slinger of the ball who once terrorized the prime Peyton Manning era Colts in the playoffs and briefly went to the Colts for his final season is heading to Indianapolis once again.

The first Quarterback Chris Ballard brought in to replace Andrew Luck once he had an actual offseason to address the position. The last Quarterback to get the Colts into the Playoffs. The first Quarterback current Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen ever coached in the pros back in their days in San Diego when he was starting out as a positional coach.

Shane Steichen Philip Rivers

Two 40-year-old peas in a pod. pic.twitter.com/TWxtfKBMaO

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) December 9, 2025

It is perfect, it had to be HIM.

Leave the neck-bearded Civil War Captain alone in Palo Alto, he is busy trying to build up his alma mater Stanford’s football program alongside his final NFL coach.

Dearest Mother —
We’ve unearthed 20,000 relics bearing my likeness. They shall be bestowed upon our loyal supporters Nov. 29.
— Andrew

https://t.co/7Z2fGFJTET pic.twitter.com/zGv4jlu7sQ

— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) October 1, 2025

Keep the GOAT working Monday nights watching games alongside his Patriot-killer brother and a rotating cast of guests, he has contractual duties to ESPN and needs to mentor his nephew to become the next top prospect Manning to enter the draft (sometime in 2027-2028 most likely).

How could you NOT be impressed by this ManningCast masterpiece https://t.co/xkqp4B9pVJ pic.twitter.com/8Kk7XcrFRe

— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) November 18, 2025

No, it had to be Phillip Rivers. Rivers never was the conventional great QB. With his unusual side arm throwing release, his danggumit passion paired with bolo ties, and Top 7 All Time Passing Stats with no All Pros nor Super Bowls but 8 Pro Bowls. His career was always marked by unconventionality, ever since his draft night where he was swapped from the New York Giants to the San Diego Chargers with 1st overall pick QB Eli Manning as another option/eventual successor to Drew Brees. If his career should start in an atypical way, why shouldn’t its end follow suit?

2004: HBD Philip Rivers who turns 44. Yes, technically Rivers was property of #NYGiants who selected him 4th overall. Accorsi would have taken Roethlisberger but felt the Chargers wanted Rivers back in a trade for @EliManning. Ernie passed on Big Ben & landed Eli pic.twitter.com/W0KLKoAf9L

— BigBlueVCR (@BigBlueVCR) December 8, 2025

Freshly turned 44 years old this Monday, now a father to 10 kids and a grandfather to 1 grandson, Rivers has reportedly stayed in shape keeping up with his kids and coaching his 4th oldest’s high school football team since 2021.

With just one retweet, you can help send a grandfather on a free vacation with his whole family.#ProBowlVote Phillip Rivers pic.twitter.com/bSSUDsQ5Hg

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) December 9, 2025

This season the Saint Michael Catholic High School Cardinals went to the Alabama 4A semifinals under Coach Rivers. The playbook used to help the team get that far? The same one Shane Steichen uses for the Colts. Gunner Rivers is now the 6th ranked QB prospect nationwide in the 2027 Class thanks in part to that book and his fathers’ tutelage. Shane Steichen and Phillip Rivers reportedly have talked at length of the playbook and feel confident that they are on the same page mentally.

Fun Fact learned in production meetings:

Philip Rivers ran the same offense as the Colts for his son Gunnar’s HS team this season.

He and Shane Steichen spoke weekly about it, discussing plays and even film.

So familiarity with the scheme should be no problem whatsoever.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 9, 2025

Rivers returning also potentially puts his Hall Of Fame candidacy on pause as he is a semi-finalist for the 2026 Class (the eligibility will reset for another 5 years if he is on an active roster, and he is currently on the Practice Squad). But who needs a bust in Canton when there’s still some football left in ya?

Philip Rivers is one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. If he signs to the Colts active roster, his name will come off that list, the clock will restart, and his Hall-of-Fame candidacy will be delayed by five years. https://t.co/BJatdz3D1q

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2025

With all the uncertainty about the Colts, both in the present and the future; the raging waves of doubt, despair, and defeat rocking the boat of what was at one point a season of renewed hope… who better to right the ship than Rivers?

The only other options are either journeymen practice squad QBs that have little to no familiarity with the playbook, hoping that Richardson’s orbital bone injury heals at the very quickest end of a lengthy post-surgery recovery window (2-3 months, although in cases requiring surgery it often is longer), or hoping a 6th round rookie who was once mentored by Rivers and is reliant on his dual threat rushing ability can persevere and stay healthy with lingering knee issues. Safe to say the remaining options weren’t great either at this point.

Can Rivers Save the Colts?​

I will be honest with readers, I don’t know. 44 year old QBs throwing passes in the NFL is a rare enough phenomena, with just 5 such examples in the league’s history.

Passing Stats for QBs after their 44th Birthday in NFL History:

1. Tom Brady
– 1,069/1,609 Passing = 66.4%
– 10,961 Yards
– 73 TDs
– 23 INTs
– 95 Passer Rating

2. Vinny Testaverde
– 49/91 Passing = 53.8%
– 511 Yards
– 4 Pass TDs
– 5 INTs
– 62.1 Passer Rating pic.twitter.com/9BKAGeEdbR

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) December 9, 2025

One of those examples is Tom Brady, who is an outlier in of himself. The rest are Vinny Testaverde, Steve DeBerg, George Blanda, and Warren Moon.

3. George Blanda
– 39/80 Passing = 48.8%
– 494 Yards
– 6 TDs
– 7 INTs
– 57 Passer Rating

4. Steve Deberg
– 30/59 Passing = 50.8%
– 369 Yards
– 3 TDs
– 1 INT
– 80.4 Passer Rating

5. Warren Moon
– 12/31 Passing = 38.7%
– 130 Yards
– 0 TDs
– 1 INT
– 38.4 Passer Rating pic.twitter.com/Y5vfctKK7W

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) December 9, 2025

The results of the other 4 are very underwhelming, although every non-Brady 44+ year old QB didn’t have the benefits of modern medicine, sports science, and played in much different eras than 2025. But none of these QBs, not even Brady himself, retired from the NFL and stayed away from the league for 5 years. Brady did unretire once, but it was after just 40 days of retired life.

A source close to Philip Rivers describes a player who looks in better shape now than when he played.

“It’s a no-brainer for who gives them the best chance.”

Expect a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ ground game to support the 44-year-old Rivers. pic.twitter.com/m02yPYM8sZ

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 9, 2025

Reportedly Rivers is in great shape, which paired with his mental sharpness and familiarity with the Colts scheme is encouraging. May we dare to have hope this can work out?

Colts changing their practice schedule for this week

-Pre Philip Rivers: Wednesday walk through, practices Thursday and Friday

-Post Philip Rivers: Practicing all 3 days

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) December 9, 2025

This is completely uncharted waters, with no historical precedent, so saying anything with absolute certainty feels disingenuous.

Who is Standing in the Way of a Rivers Playoff Return?​

The Colts first face the Seattle Seahawks on the west coast, who at 10-3 boast a Top 2 Defense in the NFL and the new Offensive Player of the Year favorite: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. DeForest Buckner is eligible to come back from IR and maybe Sauce Gardner (who was week to week but not placed on IR, maybe meaning he is out 1-3 games instead of the IR mandatory 4 games) is able to return soon? Right Tackle Braden Smith is in the concussion protocol, unlikely to play. In his stead, 4th Round rookie Jalen Travis could take his first meaningful snaps in the NFL against the elite Seahawks pass rush. Even if the Colts were fully healthy, most would not expect a victory on the road against such fearsome foes.

Phillip Rivers’ potential 1st post-unretirement opponents: a stifling Seattle defense
• 2nd Fewest Points
• 2nd Fewest Yards
• 2nd Fewest Yards/Play
• 2nd Lowest EPA/Play
• 3rd Highest Pressure %
• 4th Most Sacks
• 7th Lowest Blitz %

And likely with a Rd4 rookie backup RT pic.twitter.com/opgm79Czok

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) December 9, 2025

But beyond the first game in Seattle, could there be hope for a late season rally to the playoffs? The 49ers on Monday Night Football in Indianapolis gives the Colts another week for the starters mentioned above to return. Rivers would have a full week with the team and would be able to go back on tape to try to iron out mistakes and miscommunications. And the 49ers aren’t the healthiest squad in the NFL either.

Then the Colts finish their home schedule with a rematch against the Jaguars. While the AFC South rival cats just had a devastating 36-19 victory in Week 14 on a rainy Sunday matchup in Duval, perhaps a healthier Colts with Rivers throwing the ball would fare better. After all the infamous Duval curse upon the Colts has made them unable to win in that stadium since 2015. But since 2013 the Jaguars have gone just 2-10 against the Colts in Lucas Oil. A home field advantage has been very present with these two rivals in the last decade, and it goes both ways.

And finally the Colts travel to Houston to take on the Texans, who controversially beat the Colts 20-16 with some questionable officiating that has plagued the NFL as of late. The Texans have had the leg up on the Colts in recent years, going 5-1-1 since 2022 and winning 4 straight. But in those 4 games, the score differential has been 2-4 points each game, with the Colts narrowly losing.

Texans-Colts pool report with referee Clay Martin: pic.twitter.com/WDZLcsbCzT

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 30, 2025

In another twist of poetic irony, this season finale matchup mirrors the closest season finale the Colts have played in their efforts to make the playoffs post-Rivers’ first stint with the Colts: the ill-fated 2023 season. That one ended with an infamous wide open drop on 4th and 1 by Tyler Goodson in the RedZone with the Colts down by 6 with just over a minute remaining in the game. The 2025 season finale has the potential makings of similar stakes, where the winner of the game would end up the winner of the AFC South Title and make the playoffs while the loser missed the playoffs entirely. The stage certainly isn’t lacking for drama.

Expect a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor in these matchups, whose rushing threat and workload will be crucial in keeping defenders from pinning their ears back to rush Rivers and help keep the elder Quarterback’s arm fresh.

The Schedule isn’t easy by any means, as all 4 of these opponents are currently in the playoff picture and aren’t planning of getting out of frame. But with that difficulty of the schedule presents opportunity, especially to pass other AFC South Rivals to make the final tournament. Per the New York Times/Athletic’s Playoff Simulator, the Colts have a 20% chance to make the Playoffs. But those percentages can swing wildly in the last 4 games:

• 0 Wins = 8-9 Record: Under 1%
• 1 Win = 9-8 Record: 5% (Win one of the first three games) to 6% (Win vs the Texans)
• 2 Wins = 10-7 Record: 26% (Wins vs both NFC West Teams) to 54% (Wins vs Both AFC South Teams)
• 3 Wins = 11-6 Record: 80% (only Loss to Texans), 97% (only Loss to Jaguars), or Over 99% (only loss to either NFC West Team)
• 4 Wins = 12-5 Record: Over 99%

The Fat Lady hasn’t sung yet on the Colts making the playoffs, she’s just going through her vocal warm-ups. As the Rivers’ signing shows, the Colts haven’t given up their season yet. Should they win 2 wins they have a decent shot at the playoffs. A trio of wins would all but guarantee a playoff berth (no 11-6 team has missed the playoffs since the field was expanded in 2021). Anything less than that and the Colts are likely heading to Cancun in the 2nd week of January.

Philip River coming out of retirement to lead the Colts to the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/HXQVYj0got

— CLew ️ (@droppedballspod) December 9, 2025

Rivers’ return to the Colts embodies what truly makes the theme of the 2025 Colts: chaos.

Forgo expectations, those are for boring fans of normal teams. Embrace the chaos. Can the Colts make the playoffs? Sure. Will they? Probably not. This is a hail-mary of a move to try to save the season. But the fact that it is even a conversation worth having at this point with all the insanity that would make lesser fans start pulling hair and potentially needing to be locked in a padded room? Eh, sanity is boring anyways and doesn’t come with a self-hugging sweater or grippy socks.

The scene in the movie where the Colts owner, played by Sandra Bullock, storms into the GMs office and says “what about Phillip Rivers, can he still play” and the camera pans to the GM and his eyebrows just raise is gonna win an Oscar pic.twitter.com/rzEIT7VS8n

— Joe McCarthy (@JMcCarthy86) December 9, 2025

One has to just laugh and try to enjoy the pure insanity of the twists and turns that this season brings, irregardless of how the final page of this story ends. If it ends without playoffs once again, sure it will be a sad end. If it ends in playoff football it is one of the most iconic berths to the last dance in football history. No matter what, the season won’t be boring and unremarkable.

No, the 2025 Colts season isn’t for rational thought and expectation.

This is a season for all the Uncle Ricos out there who say they are still in their primes and can throw over them mountains…

A revenge on 2004 Draftmate Ben Roethlisberger for passing our Alabama native gunslinger in Yards with an extra season…

Watch Out Big Ben! Rivers has came back from the couch to pass you again for 6th all time in Passing Yards!

Tho a 37 year old whippersnapper Matthew Stafford is hot on Rivers’ heels pic.twitter.com/4a4UfDoZ5b

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) December 9, 2025

A chance to put up stats no 44 year old not named Brady has ever done…

Either one last shot at redemption or the cherry on top of a potential HOF career of never quite being elite or a champion…

Embrace the spectacle, it’s what Jim would want. No expectations, just vibes and chaos. And for that, Phillip Rivers is a perfect fit for the 2025 Colts.

I like the odds of this working out better with a 44 year old Rivers than with a 29 year old Rypien (and probably a 23 year old Leonard).

But I got no expectations right now. There is so much unknown with no historical precedent. Most likely it doesn’t work out, but if it does… https://t.co/9BElyndHvY pic.twitter.com/iJwQo9qLay

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) December 9, 2025

#ForTheBoss

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ers-to-the-colts-in-2025-is-poetic-perfection

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts reportedly inquired on Derek Carr, Sam Ehlinger among other QB replacement options

According to Outkick’s Armando Salguero, the Indianapolis Colts didn’t just reach out to recently re-signed quarterback Philip Rivers among retired veteran options, as the team also reached out to Derek Carr:

“Why are the Colts doing this? Start with the fact they called other quarterbacks to gauge their interest in signing. They called Derek Carr, per a source,” Salguero writes.

The 34-year-old Carr, who’s a decade younger than Rivers, declined the opportunity. The 4x NFL Pro Bowl quarterback played 11 years in the NFL, most notably with the Raiders organization, before retiring this past May due to longstanding pain in his right throwing shoulder which nay have required additional offseason surgery.

During 10 starts for the New Orleans Saints last year, Carr completed 189 of 279 pass attempts (67.7%) for 2,145 total passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions during 10 starts.

However, in the aftermath of starter Daniel Jones’s season-ending torn Achilles injury this past Sunday, Carr wasn’t the only replacement quarterback option that the Colts apparently reached out to over the last 72 hours.

Specifically, per The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel, Indianapolis also reached out to former Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who’s now on the Denver Broncos practice squad, but the past Texas Longhorn standout declined the opportunity for potentially more realistic immediate playing time.

Originally a 2021 6th round pick of the Colts, Ehlinger obviously knows the Colts offensive playbook and system—having played under current Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen for the 2023-24 seasons. He has 3 career starts, all for the Colts back in 2022, and last appeared in an NFL game, back in 2023 for Indianapolis.

Ehlinger indicated that “the Colts were trying to bring him in likely along with Rivers,” per Gabriel.

This likely means that the Colts were looking at Ehlinger to fill their QB3 role (or maybe QB2 if Riley Leonard [knee] couldn’t go?) on the 53-man active roster, and backup QB Brett Rypien, who was elevated to the active roster on Wednesday, would’ve presumably remained on their practice squad for additional positional depth.

As for Ehlinger, given that he’s only a listed 6,‘1”, 222 pounds, and having seen the success that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton previously had with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees (6,’0,” 209 pounds) with the New Orleans Saints, and I can see why he would want to continue to stay in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Not to mention, he’s on an 11-2 playoff team right now, whereas Indianapolis will be incredibly lucky to get in.

The Colts also worked out former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Seth Henigan on Tuesday.

Needless to say, the Colts performed their due diligence among potential quarterback options before bringing back unretired longtime NFL veteran quarterback Philip Rivers for this season’s final stretch run as a starter.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...m-ehlinger-among-other-qb-replacement-options

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts Wednesday Injury Report: DT Buckner Returns To Practice

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Wednesday injury report for Week 15 of the NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

wednesday’s practice report for #INDvsSEA. pic.twitter.com/VrX7lRiE0g

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 10, 2025

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was a limited participant at practice today with a neck injury. Buckner had been on injured reserve due to a back injury for the past 4 weeks. If the Colts can get him back for the last few weeks of the regular season, it would be a huge boost for the defense.

Cornerback Sauce Garner continues to miss practice this week after sustaining a calf injury two weeks ago. Gardner will likely miss practice all week and be ruled out of Sunday’s road game in Seattle. The hope is for him to return before the end of the regular season.

Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was a full participant today. Leonard was thrust into a starting role on Sunday after Daniel Jones exited with a torn Achilles. Leonard managing a full practice today keeps his availability open should he be needed to start Sunday vs the Seahawks. The quarterback position is so upside down at the moment but having Leonard as an option is positive news.

Defensive end Tyquan Lewis missed practice today with a groin injury. Lewis continues his weekly battle with his groin injury rehab again. Lewis will likely practice in some capacity tomorrow before the team makes a decision on his availability on Friday.

Right tackle Braden Smith missed practice today with neck and concussion injuries. Smith had entered the concussion protocol and will likely miss this week’s game whilst trying to pass through safely. If Smith is unable to play, expect a start for rookie Jalen Travis at right tackle or 2nd-year offensive guard Dalton Tucker at right guard.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-injury-report-dt-buckner-returns-to-practice

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts QB Daniel Jones has heartfelt thank you to fans following season-ending injury

Indianapolis Colts injured starting quarterback Daniel Jones took to his personal Instagram account to communicate a heartfelt thank you to his teammates, the coaching staff, and the Horseshoe Faithful (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):

Daniel Jones via IG:

“Thank you to my teammates, the coaches, the #Colts organization, and all the fans for the overwhelming support. Tough way to end the season but it has been an honor to wear the horseshoe and play for Colts fans. I’ll miss lining up with my guys …” pic.twitter.com/xGcA9CE8S5

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 12, 2025

Of course, Jones deserves a lot of credit and should be lauded for his leadership and toughness, having started and played through a fractured fibula through the team’s last three games. Unfortunately, that fractured fibula in his left leg, may have led to his right leg attempting to overcompensate physically, which buckled, non-contact, late in the first quarter of last Sunday’s road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars—as Jones tore his right Achilles.

Jones underwent season-ending surgery earlier this week and on the optimistic end, faces at least a 9 month recovery timetable.

As a pending priority free agent for the Colts, the significant injury could complicate his future contract negotiations coming up this offseason. At the very least, that long-term deal with Indianapolis that Jones once had been anticipating may be reduced to a 1-2 year ‘prove it’ deal.

Still, there may be some recognition from the Colts top brass, including ownership, that Jones cost himself some additional financial stability by playing through the injury, when he easily could’ve just shut it down a few weeks ago. Instead, Jones faces an even longer road to recovery, and questions of whether he’ll regain his prior form physically.

Without a 2026 first round pick, and unlikely to re-sign a 45-year-old Philip Rivers at season’s end (at least I think?), Jones still makes sense for Indianapolis to bring back on a shorter-term deal. That being said, it’s possible that the Minnesota Vikings, who’ve seen a lot more lows than highs with former fist rounder J.J. McCarthy at quarterback could look to bring Jones back, having vied with Indy this past offseason for him.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...nk-you-to-fans-following-season-ending-injury

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Philip Rivers returning to the Colts is the thing of movies

Get your popcorn ready because things are about to get good or go terribly wrong. Either way, the scene the Indianapolis Colts are setting due to their reunion with Philip Rivers will be the thing of movies. How could it not be? The man is 44-years old and has been away from the NFL for five years. Yes, he has done some high school coaching, but come on… Rivers has been out of the game so long, almost half the league is comprised of new faces. The Colts are banking on him being their Hail Mary by choosing an unorthodox path. The last time they did something unique, it blew up in their faces. Whether it works out or not, it certainly won’t disappoint.

Remember when Jim Irsay decided Jeff Saturday was the best man to lead the team as the interim head coach? Saturday won his first game and that is where the movie should have ended; Rudy gets hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates and carried off the field. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case as the rest of the season turned into a nightmare as the Colts went winless and were part of the biggest collapse in NFL history against the Vikings. Not all movies are success stories. Some are horror films and that is exactly what that season turned into. The talking heads called it a circus as things completely bottomed out. It was entertaining, not in a “I like this” kind of way but in a not being able to look away from a train wreck sort of way.

Rivers returning to the Colts has that written all over it. All signs are pointing to him starting on Sunday against the Seahawks in what would have been an incredibly tough game even when the Colts were at their peak. Don’t try to sneak into another movie, though, even if this first game doesn’t go down as a win. The main character usually faces adversity early on so the triumph is that much sweeter. Rivers could still string together three at the end to make this a true superhero moment. We could also witness a Brett Favre moment in which the last image is him flat on his back being helped off the field; a man in his forties trying to play a young man’s game. Seattle’s defense will be coming at him in droves. It might all prove too much. If that is the case, the Colts will be the laughingstock of the league for attempting to pull off an incredibly foolish move. It will be a dramedy with the Colts in crisis mode while the rest of the league points and laughs.

No one knows how this will all turn out, but it will make fans tune in for sure. If Philip Rivers gets the start this week, what would have had most fans using the time for Christmas shopping will now have them tuning in to see how this all goes. The intrigue will be there at least one more week. Will fans see the hero that comes in at the eleventh hour to save the day or watch on as a dream season dies in front of their eyes with a whimper? This is the stuff movies are made of, the improbable. Rivers will work to keep the movie running as long as possible, but the credits are waiting in the wings, ready to roll.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...returning-to-the-colts-is-the-thing-of-movies

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts Injury – RT Smith, CB Gardner And WR Gould Ruled OUT

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Friday injury report for Week 15 of the NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

friday's practice report for #INDvsSEA. pic.twitter.com/N24QZmk3KY

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 12, 2025

Right tackle Braden Smith has been ruled OUT for this Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks due to neck and concussion injuries. Smith has been unable to practice all week, and therefore, will be unavailable this Sunday. In his place, it will likely be rookie Jalen Travis who starts at right tackle.

Cornerback Sauce Gardner has been ruled OUT for this Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a calf injury. Gardner is still rehabbing a calf injury that is likely to sideline him for multiple weeks. Gardner hid not practice all week. With Gardner out this week, expect Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones to start at outside corner, with veteran Charvarius Ward (concussion) having been placed on injured reserve again earlier this week.

Wide receiver (special teams returnman) Anthony Gould has been ruled OUT of this Sundays game against the Seattle Seahawks with a foot injury. This won’t be the first game Gould has missed this year with injury. Josh Downs will likely take over Gould’s returning duties in his absence.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had been ruled OUT of this Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a neck injury. Buckner is still trying to work his way back from injured reserve but after three limited practices this week, it was too soon for him to return to game action.

Defensive end Tyquan Lewis has been ruled as QUESTIONABLE for this Sundays game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a groin injury. Lewis has managed two practices this week including a full practice today. Lewis looks like he may have a good shot at playing this week, but will be one to watch out for on the inactives list.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ry-rt-smith-cb-gardner-and-wr-gould-ruled-out

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts sign QB Philip Rivers to active roster, place RT Braden Smith on IR among moves

The Indianapolis Colts announced that the team has signed recently unretired longtime NFL quarterback Philip Rivers from their practice squad to the 53-man active roster.

It was an expected move that paves the way for the 44-year-old quarterback (and freshly turned grandpa), who was surprisingly re-signed by the Colts earlier this week after not playing football for going on five years, to start this Sunday on the road against the Seattle Seahawks—and their stingy defense.

It also means that Rivers, who was named one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, will see his eligibility postponed to 2031 at the earliest.

Something that Rivers doesn’t seem to mind at all, when asked this past week.

As such, it’s shaping up to be Rivers starting with rookie Riley Leonard, who’s healthy following a knee injury suffered during last weekend’s loss, as the QB2 and recently promoted Brett Rypien as QB3.

Otherwise, the Colts announced that starting veteran right tackle Braden Smith (concussion/neck) will be placed on injured reserve, which means he’ll miss the remainder of the 2025 regular season. In his absence, rookie offensive tackle Jalen Travis is projected to start, who filled in for him last weekend.

The Colts also elevated wide receiver Coleman Owen and veteran defensive tackle Chris Wormley to the active roster from their practice squad for this Sunday’s road game at Seattle. Backup wideout (and special teams returnman) Anthony Gould (“foot”) has been ruled out, so Owen is likely his roster replacement for this week.

Meanwhile, DeForest Buckner (neck) isn’t quite ready to return, so Wormley provides veteran interior depth.

Lastly, backup rotational defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (ankle), who provides versatility, has seen his ‘questionable’ injury designation removed from the team’s injury report and should be ready to roll tomorrow.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...oster-place-rt-braden-smith-on-ir-among-moves

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts QB Daniel Jones may reportedly face shorter timeline for Achilles recovery than expected

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Indianapolis Colts injured starting quarterback Daniel Jones may face a shorter recovery from his season-ending Achilles surgery than initially expected.

It was first speculated to be at least a 9-month recovery timeline for Jones, who underwent successful surgery to repair his torn Achilles this past Tuesday, which would’ve pushed him closer to the start of the 2026 regular season opener.

However, Schefter reported on Saturday that it could be closer to 6-8 months before returning for Jones, who’s now expected to be cleared by his next team’s training camp:

“Daniel Jones underwent surgery Tuesday in New York that is expected to sideline him for six to eight months, giving the Indianapolis Colts quarterback the ability to be fully cleared for the start of next summer’s training camp, sources told ESPN,” Schefter writes.

“The belief still is that Jones will play next year in Indianapolis, but his contract expires after this season and he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.”

That seems a bit optimistic for the pending free agent quarterback, who assuredly will be a priority one for Indianapolis—albeit potentially with the franchise tag at play or on a shorter-term deal.

I’m also not a medical doctor though.

It’s also worth noting that even if Jones does return that soon, what kind of shape will he actually be in? Torn Achilles can sap explosiveness, and often times, it’s a longer road to recovery for pro athletes to regain their prior form—if they even do at all. Jones plays quarterback, which may be easier to recover at, but it’ll take a bit.

Still, the new pairing largely worked out well during Jones debut campaign with the Colts, as he helped lead and run one of the league’s most prolific offenses at 8-2 before he was limited in mobility by playing through a fractured fibula which hindered the offense’s effectiveness in more recent weeks collectively.

The Colts have since lost three straight games and are now on the outside looking in for the AFC’s playoffs.

Jones should be lauded for his leadership and toughness playing through the fractured fibula, which have arguably led the torn Achilles, as his right healthy leg tried to overcompensate. There’s presumably some recognition from the Colts ownership and top brass that Jones cost himself some money and job security by trying to help his team win games, playing through the initial injury and presumably some lower leg pain.

While Jones torn Achilles complicates his future contract negotiations with the Colts, who didn’t negotiate an extension with Jones in season, it’s not as though Indianapolis has many other viable options regardless.

The team does not have a first round pick in 2026 to find a successor, the 44-year-old Philip Rivers is merely a late season band aid, and it seems unlikely that the Colts will turn back to since demoted quarterback Anthony Richardson again next season, unless there’s an injury at their starting quarterback position.

Bringing Jones back on a 1-2 year deal for Indianapolis makes sense for both sides, given the success they shared, but a past serious suitor of Jones, the Minnesota Vikings specifically, shouldn’t be entirely ruled out either.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-timeline-for-achilles-recovery-than-expected

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts got shades of vintage Philip Rivers in his first half back

The NFL world was understandably caught up in the Philip Rivers returns saga this past week. Coming out of retirement after five years away warrants being the storyline of the week — or in this case, the remainder of the season — and all of the hype surrounding it was valid.

While he undoubtedly had to dust off some cobwebs, Philip Rivers largely remained the same player we saw walk off the field ’for good’ following the Colts’ Wild Card playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in 2020-21.

In his first half back versus the Seattle Seahawks, aka the NFL’s 2nd-best scoring defense (17.4 PPG allowed) entering Week 15, Philip Rivers did his thing to help the Colts maintain a 13-6 lead going into the half. Here’s how he fared against the Seahawks in his first half of NFL football in half a decade:

10-16 (62.5%), 81 passing yards (5.1 avg), 1 passing TD, sacked once, 96.1 Passer Rating

He certainly doesn’t look like himself physically, but has remained as cerebral as ever. It’s evident that the game is as slow as it used to be for Rivers, as he’s only seen a handful of expected mishaps thus far. As anticipated, there’s little to no zip on his throws, but his and head coach Shane Steichen’s collective mind has turned in a respectable first half outing.

From screens to crossing routes, Shane Steichen is setting his veteran, older brother-esque quarterback up for success, and Grandpa Phil has, for the most part, gotten the job done. Philip Rivers’s return to quarterbacking has indeed been like riding a bike (mentally), but is it enough to go the distance?

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-vintage-philip-rivers-in-his-first-half-back

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Monday Morning Awards: Week 15 @Seahawks

8-6, four losses in a row, and the playoffs look further and further away each week, but gaddumit this one was fun. I cannot bring myself to be mad about this one. Yes it would have been amazing to win it, especially after being so close, but everyone gave their uttermost effort yesterday, and the coaching was elite, against such a tough and formidable opponent. It was also Philip Rivers’ first game back, and to my surprise he actually looked somewhat decent, which gives me a bit of hope for the end.

---

MVP of the Game: Blake Grupe​

Where have you been this entire year dear Grupe? Having just been brought off the Saints’ practice squad, Grupe nailed all his kicks including a 60-yarder for the win. Simply amazing stuff for a player that assured himself a job for the final three weeks, and with Rivers’ limited athleticism there is a decent chance that the Colts are more conservative in 4th down, leading to more opportunities for him. I predict an upcoming camp battle between him and Spencer Shrader for the Colts’ kicking job next season.

Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Vacant​

It is really hard to find someone to blame for the outcome of the game. This was a team playing a quarterback coming off five years retired, two backup tackles for most of the game, without their starting cornerbacks, and their best defensive player in DeForest Buckner, against one of the hottest teams in the NFL, away from home. They showed pride, and they showed a fire that I have not seen from this team in recent history. I can always tolerate losing, but what I can never tolerate is playing without passion.

Best play of the Game: Rivers’ touchdown pass to Downs​

PHILIP RIVERS THROWING TDs IN 2025

INDvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Pp98lKDPlZ

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

Not an amazing play per-se, but the emotions behind Rivers’ first touchdown pass since coming out of retirement, and what it meant for everyone on the sidelines and for this team, this was clearly the play of the game. Honorable mention goes to Grupe’s 60-yard field goal to give the Colts the lead late in the game, amazing stuff from the kicker there.

Worst play of the Game: Myers’ 56-yard game winner​

Hats off to Myers who nailed a 56-yard game winner right down the middle. What was bad was not the game winner but the drive that put the Seahawks in field goal position when a single stop would have been enough to seal the game, but it is hard blaming a defense that held one of the hottest offenses in the NFL to just 18-points playing without their three best players.

Best position group: Offensive line​

Missing their two starting tackles after Braden Smith was ruled out with a concussion and Raimann left before the half dealing with an arm injury, having to protect a 44-year old statue with zero mobility, the offensive line more than held their own against one of the most productive pass-rushing units in the league. Hats off to the offensive line, that had been struggling recently, but played an amazing game yesterday.

Unsung hero: Nick Cross​

Cross continues being the most consistent defensive player on the Colts’ roster, and is right there with Alec Pierce for the most important guys to re-sign in the offseason. He has formed one of the best safety duos with Bynum, and with the two shutdown cornerbacks coming back next season Anarumo would be able to use him more as a box defender, which seems to be his biggest strength. Let’s just hope that the Colts end up having the cap space to keep him around.

Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren​

Not much production from either Warren or JTT, but Tyler ends up getting the award based solely on a 17-yard catch down the middle on 2nd and 11 that allowed the Colts to go on and score the only touchdown of the game. After starting off scorching hot Warren has cooled off considerably in recent weeks, as has the entire Colts’ offense, so it is hard to blame him in particular.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian.../colts-monday-morning-awards-week-15-seahawks

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Two Colts linebackers claimed off their practice squad on Monday by playoff hopefuls

On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts lost two linebackers off their practice, as Chad Muma and Anthony Walker Jr were claimed by the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers respectively.

Having been claimed from the Jacksonville Jaguars from final 53-man roster cuts, Muma appeared in 5 games for the Colts this season, recording 5 tackles (3 solo). The 26-year-old linebacker was waived by the Colts on November 1st before later being re-signed to the team’s practice squad prior to New England poaching him.

As for Walker Jr., the 30-year-old, former 5th round pick of the Colts had yet to appear in a game for Indianapolis so far this season. After being released by Tampa Bay in late August, he was re-signed to the Colts practice squad on September 1st before the Bucs now claimed him and brought him back.

The veteran linebacker made 48 starts for Indianapolis from 2017-20, recording 343 tackles (229 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 11 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries during that same span.

With Jaylon Carlies surprisingly a healthy scratch last weekend, the Colts don’t necessarily have the same dire need at linebacker as the defense did to start the season, largely because of injuries and a lack of suitable replacements back then. The signing of veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt has helped a lot in that regard.

That being said, we wish both of these linebackers well at their next NFL stop, just not against the Colts.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-practice-squad-on-monday-by-playoff-hopefuls

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts have already made decision on starting QB for MNF against 49ers

According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts have already made a decision on who will start at quarterback for next Monday night’s matchup hosting the San Francisco 49ers.

It will be veteran quarterback Philip Rivers again for a consecutive start (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder):

For the record (though it was assumed), Colts coach Shane Steichen says Philip Rivers will start next week's game against the 49ers on Monday Night Football.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 15, 2025

Having not played pro football in nearly 5 years, the 44-year-old Rivers ‘did a lot of good’ on the road against one of the league’s best defenses, with Indianapolis narrowly pulling off the shocking road upset in the game’s closing seconds. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but Rivers showed a lot of grit and leadership under the circumstances.

Rivers nearly set the Colts up for a game-winning 60 yard field goal, with a narrow 16-15 lead, and just 47 seconds left (and Seattle with no timeouts), but the Indy defense—which had been strong all day, couldn’t hold.

The unretired grizzled veteran quarterback finished his late afternoon, completing 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and an interception (which was a desperation heave in the final seconds).

While Rivers showed clear limitations with his diminished arm strength, particularly with Indy’s lack of downfield opportunities, his pre-snap recognition and processing through his passing progressions remained elite, especially having shaken off a lot of dust under short notice—and picked up the Colts playbook on the fly.

Playing in one of the toughest and loudest road environment against that defense? It was impressive.

It remains to be seen if it will work as effectively, given that opposing defenses now know that Rivers isn’t likely to challenge them deep in the passing game downfield—and a lot of his shorter to intermediate throws may be closely contested. Eventually, Rivers may have to better test his arm vertically for a calculated shot or two.

In the end though, Rivers is still the best of readily available starting quarterback options right now.

The Colts coaching staff clearly does not feel that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard is ready to be a full-time QB1 yet, having spent of training camp, preseason, and this season with him on the scout team until recently. Keep in mind that the Indianapolis top brass has regretted rushing Anthony Richardson to the field so soon in 2023, and may be looking to better protect Leonard’s growth and development, while keeping his confidence up.

Speaking of Richardson, while if fully healthy, he may arguably be the Colts best starting option and was recently cleared for physical activities, it doesn’t sound like his return to being a starter is imminent. Specifically, he may not realistically be ready to go until the Colts 2025 season has already concluded in three weeks; time. Brett Rypien appears to be more of just an organizational QB3 option.

That means it’s ‘Old Man Rivers’ for another week, who hopefully will look even more comfortable in primetime.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...decision-on-starting-qb-for-mnf-against-49ers

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts add three offensive linemen to practice squad to reinforce unit’s depleted depth

The Indianapolis Colts signed offensive guards LaDarius Henderson and Bill Murray, as well as offensive tackle Zach Thomas to their practice squad.

Regarding Henderson, the 6’4”, 309 pound offensive guard was selected by the Houston Texans in the 7th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The former CFP National Champion and All-Big Ten offensive guard for Michigan has yet to appear in an NFL game. He was a member of the Cleveland Browns practice squad earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Murray at 6,3”, 321 pounds, is a former undrafted free agent who played from the New England Patriots from 2020-23 and spent time with the Chicago Bears and later, returned to New England on their practice squad. The former FCS All-American and 2x All-CAA member has appeared in 4 career games.

Lastly, Thomas is a 6,5”, 305 pound offensive tackle who was originally a 2022 6th round pick of the Chicago Bears. He later spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Houston Texans organizations. The All-MW conference member has appeared in 17 career games.

Of course, the Colts have some injuries along their offensive line. Specifically, starting veteran right tackle Braden Smith (concussion/neck) was placed on injured reserve and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. Adding further injury, starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann suffered an elbow injury last Sunday and didn’t return.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ctice-squad-to-reinforce-units-depleted-depth