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[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts lose fifth straight to 49ers on MNF as playoff hopes hang by a thread

The tightrope finally snapped inside Lucas Oil Stadium on primetime Monday Night Football as the Indianapolis Colts suffered a fifth straight loss in a 48-27 blowout against the San Francisco 49ers.

What began as a hopeful holiday stage to showcase what was at one point the league’s most explosive offensive unit entering the Week 11 BYE, has turned into a miserable five-game drought. It was a sobering reminder of the annual collapse around this time of year that leaves playoff dreams dangling by a thread.

The Colts loss guaranteed playoff berths by the Bills, Chargers and Jaguars, which reduces the Colts’ postseason hopes down a fragile path. Indianapolis must win out and hope Houston stumbles Saturday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The door could be slammed shut before the Colts play another game, which could alter the game plan of who commands the offense for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Rivers completed 23 of 35 passes for 277 passing yards and two touchdowns, but for the second consecutive game, his final throw landed in the hands of the opposing team.

Philip Rivers was slinging it on primetime at age 44

23/35 passing
277 yards
2 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/FLzkGIywTe

— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025

San Francisco made sure there would be no late drama in Indianapolis. The 49ers scored on six of their first eight meaningful possessions and racked up 440 total yards of offense, methodically dismantling a Colts defense that spent most of the night on its heels. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 295 yards and five touchdowns, spreading the ball to seven different receivers while repeatedly exploiting mismatches over the middle.

Far too often, opponents scheme to stop the run, but Colts head coach Shane Steichen dialed up an aerial attack to bring it to the 49ers and make it seem competitive. 44-year-old Philip Rivers delivered five completions to engineer a crisp opening drive, capped by a 20-yard touchdown strike to receiver Alec Pierce. The Colts standout receiver later hauled a 16-yard touchdown to level the score at 14 midway through the second frame.

ANOTHER ONE FOR AP

ESPN pic.twitter.com/WPbK2OAOHK

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 23, 2025

The Colts were rolling early on, but those wheels fell completely off from that point forward. San Francisco answered every Colts jab with a punch of its own. Purdy hit Demarcus Robinson for a 22-yard score and connected with Christian McCaffrey in the end zone twice through the air. The fourth-year pro leaned on veteran tight end George Kittle, who torched the Colts secondary for 115 receiving yards and a touchdown in just three quarters.

San Francisco erased any lingering doubt as the 49ers opened the second half with an eight-play, 64-yard march finished by a short touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings, pushing the lead to 31-17.

The Colts managed 312 total yards but struggled to generate any protection or consistency on the ground as Jonathan Taylor was held to just 46 rushing yards on 16 carries. Taylor capped a 12-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to pull the Colts within 34-27, briefly injecting life into the building. The response was immediate and soul crushing.

McCaffrey gashed the Colts for a 24-yard run on the ensuing drive, then slipped into the flat for a 9-yard touchdown reception to restore a two-score cushion. The crowd harmonized with one last gasp moments later when Dre Greenlaw Winters sensed the quick route, picked off Rivers and returned it for a 74-yard pick-six to officially seal the blowout. McCaffrey finished with 117 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns.

With two games left to play, the Colts now stand at the mercy of the result of another game. The Colts stood at a 98% chance to make the playoffs after a sensational 7-1 start, but those odds have dwindled down to less than 5% following the fifth straight loss. Indianapolis is still mathematically alive and in the playoff hunt, but those playoff hopes couldn’t feel more further away after the latest defeat.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...h-straight-to-49ers-on-mnf-in-blowout-fashion

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Clinging to slim playoff hopes, Colts will continue to start Philip Rivers against Jaguars

According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) will continue to start 44-year-old starting quarterback Philip Rivers against the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at home this week—even after dropping two in a row, and their playoff hopes currently on life support (per The Athletic’s James Boyd).

No surprise: #Colts HC Shane Steichen says QB Philip Rivers will start against the #Jaguars.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 23, 2025

While the Colts remain winless with Rivers through two starts, it’s through no fault of the surprisingly unretired longtime veteran starting quarterback’s play—particularly this past Monday Night.

On primetime, Rivers was arguably one of the Colts best players, completing 23 of 35 pass attempts for 277 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and an interception (*which the turnover wasn’t actually his fault).

Despite diminished throwing arm strength, Rivers has been surprisingly efficient and accurate, showcasing his still elite mental side of the game, featuring top-notch pre-snap recognition and the ability to rapidly process and progress through his receiving reads.

The Colts will need Rivers to find his former Pro Bowl form again, as Indianapolis has to win out, and the Houston Texans have to lose their next two games (with Indy playing in Houston for the regular season finale), and have strength of schedule help, to sneak into the AFC playoffs—currently on the outside, looking in.

That’ll be easier said than done, as both the Jaguars and Texans are some of the hottest teams in football—having won 6 and 7 straight games respectively. The Colts’ once league-leading offense is a far cry what it once was too.

What Rivers starting also means is that the Colts won’t be turning to rookie quarterback Riley Leonard yet, or quarterback Anthony Richardson (fractured orbital) who’s yet to be activated off injured reserve but began practicing last week—yet still has some limited vision.

Whether that holds true again for Indianapolis if the team gets eliminated from playoff contention after next week and ahead of the regular season finale in Week 18 on the road in Houston, remains to be seen.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ntinue-to-start-philip-rivers-against-jaguars

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Vikings claim former Colts backup QB off waivers

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings have claimed recently waived Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Brett Rypien off waivers, with starter J.J. McCarthy (hand) already out this week:

Reunion: The Vikings claimed QB Brett Rypien off waivers from Indianapolis. Some added depth with J.J. McCarthy (hand) out this week. pic.twitter.com/Dz1iknCZSL

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 23, 2025

Before this past Monday’s primetime game, the Colts waived Rypien, who had previously been signed to the active roster a week prior to serve as the QB3 against Seattle, in order to create a spot for activated veteran starting defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, coming off injured reserve.

It was a little bit surprising that the Colts didn’t elect to carry Rypien and declare him inactive—as a possibility as the emergency QB3 during Monday night’s loss. It’s not that there was a strong chance he would need to be called upon by any means, but a 44-year-old Philip Rivers is presumably at least a little less durable than the average NFL starter, and especially fresh off his couch and with five years of retirement.

Not to mention, rookie Riley Leonard is just a few weeks removed from a knee injury, who has been serving as the Colts’ QB2 since Rivers’ surprising arrival.

At any rate, Rypien’s stint with the Colts ends without him appearing in an NFL game. The 29-year-old veteran quarterback was signed to the Indianapolis practice squad in mid-October before his signing and release.

He now reunites with the Vikings, his old squad that he spent last season with and this entire past offseason. However, he has yet to appear in an NFL game Minnesota either. In his 5-year career, he has appeared in 11 games, making 4 starts though.

For the Colts, Rypien was presumably a candidate to return to their practice squad—should he clear waivers. However, it appears as though he’ll be taking at least a brief pit stop in Minnesota until McCarthy returns.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ings-claim-former-colts-backup-qb-off-waivers

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Five Colts named as NFL Pro Bowl Games alternates for AFC

It’s shaping up to be another disappointing season as this once promising campaign concludes, but it’s possible that the Indianapolis Colts could still be well represented at this year’s Pro Bowl Games.

The Pro Bowl games will be held during Super Bowl LX week on Tuesday, February 3rd, in the San Francisco Bay area, and can be seen on ESPN beginning at 6:30 PM EST.

The NFL’s recently revamped ‘All-Star Game’ includes a skills competition and a 7 v. 7 flag football game.

While both running back Jonathan Taylor and offensive guard Quenton Nelson have been named to the Pro Bowl games as conference starters, special teamer Ashton Dulin, rookie tight end Tyler Warren, safety Cam Bynum, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and injured quarterback Daniel Jones have been named as AFC alternates.

our 2026 pro bowl alternates. pic.twitter.com/6Dc79Epl80

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 23, 2025

Of course, Jones would assuredly decline such an opportunity as he recovers from a season-ending Achilles injury.

However, it presents a potential opportunity for some of these other Colts to participate in this year’s festivities.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-colts-named-as-pro-bowl-games-afc-alternates

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Stock Up/Stock Down: Week 16 vs. Niners

Stock Up​

Alec Pierce & Josh Downs​

The Colts’ young wide receivers carried most of the load on offense against the Niners, with Downs leading the team in catches and first downs, and Pierce having a rebound game after a quiet stretch posting over 85 yards and two touchdowns. I expected more from Tyler Warren and JT on this one, but it was nice to watch the young receivers step up. Is it insane to suggest giving MPJ’s money to Pierce?

Laiatu Latu​

Latu’s breakout season has been quiet because the Colts’ defense has not been good and because he was playing with no other pass-rushers other than himself this year. He is the only Colt with a pass-rush win rate over 15% since Justin Houston in 2019 (which is more of a knock on Ballard’s complete inability to draft edge rushers than Latu’s skill). Latu would greatly benefit from cornerbacks being able to cover their guys more than 2.5 seconds, and linebackers that are actually competent in coverage. Perhaps next year.

Philip Rivers​

Not like Rivers needs anything more in what has to be a HoF caliber career, but the fact that he came back after 5 years of retirement and is playing as well as he is makes me really happy. On a season where it all went down the drain so fast, it is nice to at least have a positive storyline to follow through the final weeks of the year. Hopefully he manages to get a win at home.

Blake Grupe​

There is not a single Colt that has done more for their future than kicker Blake Grupe over the past two weeks. After nailing a 60-yarder that should have been the game winner if not for a terrible kickoff coverage and soft defense, he nailed all his kicks once again including a 50-yarder. I expected Shrader to be the kicker next year but with the way Grupe is kicking it will be hard to let him go.

Stock Down​

Colts’ backup cornerbacks​

Not like we were expecting much, but both Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards were really bad against the Niners. No team can survive so many injuries to a single position group, so it is hard to find anyone to blame here, but they had the chance to earn some playing time next year. Jaylon Jones cannot be much worse than what we are currently seeing from them.

Kwity Paye​

I cannot understand how Paye continues getting so many snaps despite being a non-factor rushing the passer, and mediocre against the run. Don’t just take my word for it, the numbers here are very telling. Paye ranks 47th out of 50 qualified edge-rushers with over 50% of their team’s pass-rushing snaps in total pressures. He will most likely be a free-agent after this season and hopefully the Colts manage to get some improvements in that area to help out Latu and Anarumo.

Dalton Tucker​

Tucker once again had a chance to start for the Colts, and like has been the case most of the times he is starting he was clearly the weak link on the line and was exposed several times throughout the game. Quenton Nelson is not getting any younger, so the Colts will need to invest in at least a capable depth interior offensive line. Ballard has been really good drafting that particular position so if he stays he will get another crack at that, at Tucker’s expense.

Shane Steichen & Chris Ballard​

No playoffs once again and this one even worse because new owner Carlie Irsay Gordon went all in trading two 1st round picks for shutdown cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was unfortunately injured and miss the last part of the season. The problem with Steichen seems to be lack of leadership and ability to close out close games. I look at what other AFC teams managed to do in so little time, like the Patriots and the Jaguars, and I can’t help but feel jealous.

Ballard is probably the biggest loser and his job might finally be on the line after once again failing to make the playoffs. He is a good general manager, but he has consistently failed at the games two most important positions: quarterback and pass-rushers.

Colts’ fans​

Welp, this one started off nice, but in the it is the same results as the past couple of years. Another season down the drain, this one hurting even more because of the initial optimism and the feeling that we had finally gotten over the hump. Next season could be better, with Jones back and the defense healthy, but with the same leadership probably in place I think we should be expecting more of the same.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...6/colts-stock-up-stock-down-week-16-vs-niners

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: C Bortolini Headlines A Busy Report

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Wednesday injury report for Week 17 of the NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

wednesday's practice report for #JAXvsIND

we conducted a walk-through on wednesday. today’s practice report is only an estimation of a player's participation if there was a practice. pic.twitter.com/ph35TjnkNe

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 24, 2025

Center Tanor Bortolini missed practice today due to a concussion. Bortolini had entered the league’s concussion protocol. He will likely be out this week unless he can clear the protocol quickly this week. If he is out this week, the team will likely turn to veteran Danny Pinter to play in his place.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner missed practice today with a neck injury. Buckner was activated off injured reserve last week but appear to be missing practice due to the same neck injury. It could be a scheduled rest day to help with injury maintenance. Hopefully, he hasn’t re-injured his neck.

Cornerback Sauce Gardner continues to miss practice with a calf injury. Gardner’s chances of playing this week look very slim currently, and it is looking more and more likely he misses the rest of the year.

Tight end Drew Ogletree missed practice today with a neck injury. Ogletree had been largely a non-factor in the passing game until Philip Rivers arrived. He has since been able to add to his blocking talents and show up on the receiving box score too.

Left tackle Bernhard Raimann was limited today at practice with an elbow injury. Raimann was ruled out of last week’s game due to the elbow injury. However, he has equaled his practice participation of last week already. The offensive line has done well in his absence, but getting him back would be a big plus.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson (eye) continues to be limited at practice while he works his way back from injured reserve with the hopes of being activated before the end of the season. Safety Daniel Scott (knee) and wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring) were both full participants, as they both aim to be activated off of injured reserve too.

Guard Dalton Tucker missed practice today with a shoulder injury. Tucker stepped into the starting lineup last week due to an influx of offensive line injuries. The Colts were down both starting tackles, so a shuffle was needed in which Matt Goncalves moved to right tackle and Tucker stepped into the starting right guard position. The Colts cannot afford to lose another offensive lineman to injury.

Rookie defensive end JT Tuimoloau missed practice today with an oblique injury. Tuimoloau has been a big part of the defensive line rotation as of late due to injuries elsewhere.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ry-report-c-bortolini-headlines-a-busy-report

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Week 16 QB Analysis: One last glimpse of the football we’ve lost.

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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On Monday Night Football, Philip Rivers gave us a look at a time when quarterbacks relied more on their brains than their arms or legs to move the ball down the field—a time when quarterbacks were better. Watching Rivers rush the offense to the line, then spend the next 20 seconds dissecting the defense and directing traffic before the snap, felt like watching Peyton Manning back in Colts’ blue.

In a doomed effort, Rivers was surgically efficient, leading the team to more points than the Colts have seen in 5 weeks—a bitter reminder that he would have been a far superior choice in 2021 than a younger, stronger, more mobile Carson Wentz.

HOW WELL?​

On a per-play basis, Rivers was effective, consistently executing high-value passes while limiting the impact of negative plays. However, the pick-six was a massive negative event that erased any realistic chance of a comeback, tanking his overall EPA efficeincy.

So while EPA per play was low, he was effective in terms of yardage efficiency and consistently moving the chains.

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HOW FAR?​

Even with a clearly weakened arm, he pushed his attempts well beyond the checkdowns we saw last week, mixing in throws at all depths. His 9.7 average depth of target ranked 4th for the week, and he still completed 65% of those throws, allowing him to stack first downs and add a couple of touchdowns—not bad for an old man.

Both attempt and completion depth spiked this week.

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TO WHO?​

Downs and Warren led the team in targets, but Pierce led the way in yardage, catching all four of his targets.

Pierce has evolved into the #1 Receiver on the year yard-wise.

Warren struggled to generate value on his targets, but across the rest of the offense there was strong EPA efficiency.

Over the full season, the cumulative effect of the last five weeks has pulled target efficiency back to roughly league average.

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HOW ACCURATE?​

With the longer passes, the completion rate was depressed relative to the league. Surprisingly, CPOE was low as well. I didn’t get that impression while watching the game, but that’s why I measure these things—because feelings and the eye test aren’t very reliable.

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HOW FAST?​

Rivers got rid of the ball almost as quickly as he did last week, allowing him to avoid pressure.

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TO WHERE?​

Rivers largely avoided the left side of the field, which made sense given his struggles to generate value there.

Is it a consolation to say that season passing numbers still look good?

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DASHBOARD​

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

Here’s what happened in week 16:

• The Colts leaned heavily on the pass, with a supporting run game that was largely ineffective (2nd EDP, 16th ARSR).
• Rivers faced below-average pressure, driven primarily by his fast time to throw (20th PR%, 24th TTT). Given how quickly he was getting the ball out, I would have expected even less pressure, which suggests the offensive line struggled.
• Despite the quick throws, target and completion depth were long (4th ADOT, 11th AY/C).
• Given the depth of his throws, receiver YAC was solid, but in the 4th quarter his incompletions began to pile up, depressing his adjusted completion rate (27th AC%, 16th YAC). That combination ultimately led to a fairly average yards per attempt (17th AYPA).
• However, in typical Rivers fashion, he did not abandon plays, recording 0 scrambles, 0 throwaways, and 2 sacks (30th SCR%, 21st SCK%, 29th TA%). That low abandon rate boosted his relative dropback efficiency, resulting in a top-10 yards per dropback mark (10th NY/P).
• That yardage efficiency translated into a high number of first downs and a solid touchdown rate (10th 1st%, 13th TD%).

All of that culminated in the 7th-best QB Success Rate, but the disastrous pick-six dragged his EPA efficiency down to 17th.

While the season is not mathematically over, it realistically ended when Daniel Jones was injured. Rivers still gave the Colts a chance to win—and with it, a slim chance at the playoffs—something I doubt Riley Leonard or any other available quarterback could have done. But I wasn’t holding out for a miracle. I just wanted one last glimpse of what quarterbacks used to look like, and I got it. There’s a good chance I may never see it again.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-an...is-one-last-glimpse-of-the-footabll-weve-lost

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ long-term outlook isn’t exactly jolly this holiday season—and change is arguably needed

What a difference a matter of just weeks can make.

On November 22nd, after a blistering (and surprising) hot start, the Colts sat at 8-2, featuring a historically prolific league scoring offense, and were the toast of the AFC—as the best team in the conference record wise.

The Colts had recently completed the trade deadline blockbuster for 2x First-Team All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, who many considered the ‘missing championship piece’ to a revamped defense.

Since then Indianapolis has lost 5 straight games, now sitting at 8-7 and their playoff hopes clinging by a thread, as things have quickly snowballed since starting quarterback Daniel Jones fractured his fibula, and after playing through it, only to suffer a season-ending torn Achilles injury just a few weeks thereafter.

Adding further injury to injury, both of the defense’s best players: DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner have missed multiple weeks recovering from a neck and calf injury respectively. Veteran starting right tackle Braden Smith (neck/concussion) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (third concussion) were also recently placed on injured reserve, joining their injured teammates.

It’s worth noting that Buckner returned during Monday night’s loss for the first time since Week 9.

Things started going off the Polar Express rails for Indianapolis once Jones was initially injured with the fractured fibula, and about to enter the New Year, that losing skid has only continued.

To his credit, unretired longtime veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has brought surprisingly efficient starting quarterback play the past two games—at 44-years-old and having not played in 5 years. Rivers was realistically brought in to stabilize the position as an emergency band-aid, not be prime Peyton Manning and carry the team.

The outlook for the current Colts isn’t exactly rosy right now, particularly on defense bigger picture.

While the team still has to find a long-term answer at the starting quarterback position, something that longtime general manager Chris Ballard has struggled with since former franchise cornerstone Andrew Luck shockingly retired ahead of the 2019 season, there are some nice pieces offensively elsewhere.

Even if star running back Jonathan Taylor realistically only has 2-3 elite seasons left and All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson is rapidly approaching 30, there’s Alec Pierce (*if re-signed), Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Tyler Warren, Bernhard Raimann, Tanor Bortolini, and Matt Goncalves.

On defense, the Colts core is starting to get a little longer in the tooth, as some of the unit’s best players DeForest Buckner (31), Grover Stewart (32), Zaire Franklin (29), and Kenny Moore II (30) aren’t exactly spring chickens anymore (and yes, you could fairly argue about Franklin’s inclusion here).

Going forward, what core defensive pieces should Colts fans exactly expect to be here in 3-4 years?

I’ve got Sauce Gardner, Laiatu Latu, Cam Bynum, and Nick Cross (*if re-signed) on one hand. However, outside of Gardner, could anyone of these younger defensive players even be considered stars right now?

The Colts don’t have their first rounds picks for either 2026 and 2027, as a byproduct of the Gardner trade.

If you’re talking about all NFL teams’ outlooks looking ahead past the next few seasons, the Colts are probably near the bottom of any list. We don’t have a franchise quarterback again, and it’s a roster devoid of stars at meaningful positions collectively, with an aging veteran defensive core that’s only getting older.

Meaningful change in Indianapolis is arguably overdue, but what exactly that looks like for transitioned ownership under the three Irsay sisters remains to be seen.

Will they chalk up yet another late season Colts collapse to bad luck and injuries or something more systemic with the franchise’s leadership, coaching, or personnel—and lack thereof?

We can only hope 2026 returns this once proud franchise back to its winning ways, but there’s not a whole lot of reason for newfound hope this holiday season.

Some dream for a Christmas miracle, I’m just hoping for the playoffs again.

It’s been since 2000, during COVID-19 pandemic, which was the last time Rivers was here—seemingly a football eternity ago.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-holiday-season-and-change-is-arguably-needed

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts Injury Report: Six ruled OUT for Sunday, but CB Sauce Gardner expected to play

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Friday injury report for Week 17 of the NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

friday’s practice report for #JAXvsIND. pic.twitter.com/GigMIVzAjm

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 26, 2025

Center Tanor Bortolini (concussion) has been ruled OUT for Sundays game against the Jaguars. Bortolini has been unable to practice all week due to the concussion and still remains in the leagues concussion protocol. With Bortolini out, expect veteran backup Danny Pinter to get the start at center.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) has been ruled OUT for Sundays game against the Jaguars. Buckner re-aggravated his neck injury from earlier in the season and will need surgery to fix the herniated disc. He has been placed on injured reserve ending his season early. Expect a platoon of Neville Gallimore and Ade Adebawore to replace him in the starting lineup.

Backup tight end Drew Ogletree (neck) has been ruled OUT for Sundays game against the Jaguars. Ogletree missed practice all week with the neck injury and will therefore miss Sundays game. With Ogletree out, expect to see Will Mallory active this week to provide depth at the position.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson (eye) and safety Daniel Scott (knee) have both been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. Both have managed to practice this week, as Richardson has been limited all week; however, they both have not been deemed ready to be activated from injured reserve yet. Next week will be their last opportunity to return from injured reserve or face remaining inactive for the rest of the year, even if the Colts were able to make the playoffs.

Cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) has been listed at QUESTIONABLE for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. Although he carries a questionable designation, Colts head coach Shane Steichen had deemed him ready to return to playing this Sunday. Gardner will be a huge boost for a struggling Colts defense.

Starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann (elbow) has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Jaguars. Raimann missed last week’s game due to the elbow injury, but Coach Steichen has deemed him able to return, upgrading the questionable injury designation. Raimann will be a welcome return to an offensive line struggling for healthy pieces.

Wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring) has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. Dulin was designated to return from injured reserve earlier in the week and looks like he could be activated just in time for Sunday’s key divisional game.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...s-injury-report-colts-rule-out-six-for-sunday

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Sunday could count for everything or nothing at all for the Colts

The entire fate of the Indianapolis Colts could be decided around 7:30 EST on Saturday in a game they don’t even play. The Colts lost their say in what happens to them a few weeks back when their slide became overwhelmingly long. Now, their season hangs in the balance, and the Houston Texans have a firm grip on it. Anything the Colts want to accomplish regarding a postseason birth revolves around their division rival.

The Jaguars come to town absolutely red hot to take on the Colts in week seventeen. That by itself is a daunting task. Jacksonville has plenty to play for as they jockey for conference positioning. Unique circumstances sank the Colts the last time they faced off, but it was still a bloodbath. Since then, the Jaguars have beaten up the competition in addition to smacking the Broncos on the road. This game might not matter at all for the Colts, however, if the Texans take care of business tonight.

The Texans travel to Los Angeles to meet the Chargers who are very much alive for playoff positioning themselves. They won’t be backing down which is great news for the Colts. The Texans won’t have it easy, but if they win, it’s all over for the Colts. Lose, and Sunday becomes must watch t.v. for the Indiana area. If the Colts can pull off the win, they will set up another showdown against the Texans in the last week of the season. Last time, it was for the division and at Lucas Oil. This time it would be the for the seventh seed and Houston gets the advantage at home.

The Colts can worry about that next week. Two things must happens for week eighteen to matter: a Texans’ loss and a Colts’ win. Money would be on the Texans losing over the Colts winning, but both could happen. Then again, neither could. Sunday won’t matter at all if the Texans down the Chargers tonight. The look and feel of Sunday will be much more somber in Indianapolis if they do, but the Colts have no one to blame but themselves.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...or-everything-or-nothing-at-all-for-the-colts

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17

Saturday update: The Colts were officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday evening.

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The Indianapolis Colts may or may not be in a do-or-die situation in Week 17 when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Their playoff picture could be settled on Saturday afternoon when the Houston Texans travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers. The Colts are a 5.5-point home underdog against the Jaguars while the Texans are a 1.5-point road underdog against the Chargers.

AFC South standings​

The Colts eliminated themselves from AFC South contention in Week 16 when they lost to the 49ers on Monday Night Football. That race is down to the Jaguars and Texans.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: 11-4 (clinched playoff berth)
2. Houston Texans: 10-5
3. Indianapolis Colts: 8-7
4. Tennessee Titans: 3-12

Updated AFC playoff picture​

The Colts only chance at a playoff berth requires them winning their final two games and the Texans losing their final two games. This would move the Colts into seventh place and they would hold the final wild card spot. In Week 17, the Texans face the Chargers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET. If the Texans win or tie against the Chargers, the Colts are eliminated. Additionally, if the Colts lose or tie against the Jaguars on Sunday, Indianapolis is eliminated.

1. Denver Broncos 13-3 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-4 (clinched playoff berth)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-6
5. Los Angeles Chargers 11-4 (clinched playoff berth)
6. Buffalo Bills 11-4 (clinched playoff berth)
7. Houston Texans 10-5
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-7
9. Baltimore Ravens 7-8

AFC teams eliminated from the playoffs​

• Miami Dolphins
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Cincinnati Bengals
• New York Jets
• Cleveland Browns
• Tennessee Titans
• Las Vegas Raiders

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...f-picture-afc-south-standings-updated-week-17

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts free fall out of playoff race with 6 straight losses down home stretch

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 28: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers #17 signals to his offense during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium — December 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

With Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts left the home finale with a familiar sting that has defined how each season is destined to end. The Colts winless drought reached six straight games down the home stretch and they will miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season following another late collapse of epic proportions.

It felt more like a senior day operation inside Lucas Oil Stadium than an actual game that had any relevance to the future of the franchise as the Colts were held to a season-low 204 total Net yards in the final home game. Colts quarterback Philip Rivers completed 17 of 30 passes for 147 passing yards and one touchdown, but the 44-year-old signal caller was sacked twice and threw another fourth-quarter interception. It was his third turnover in three starts that ultimately became the decisive play to shift the momentum to the Jags.

Indianapolis’ special teams unit was the lone bright spot, igniting the home crowd on the opening kickoff with a 53-yard return by Ashton Dulin to set up the offense in a favorable field position. The Colts marched deep into Jaguars territory before settling for a 33-yard field goal made by kicker Blake Grupe, who has delivered on all eight field goal attempts in four games since making his Colts debut in Jacksonville.

The Colts caught a huge break after a botched hook-and-ladder trick play resulted in a fumble recovery by Samson Ebukam to terminate the Jaguars’ opening drive inside the red zone. The stampede sporting blue carried that momentum with a punishing marathon drive as running back Jonathan Taylor capped a 15-play, 83-yard march with a 3-yard touchdown run to put Indianapolis ahead 10-0. The Colts’ three-time Pro Bowl tailback finished with 70 rushing yards on 21 carries and matched a career-high with his 20th touchdown of the season.

JT TUDDY

FOX pic.twitter.com/u4og02ay1p

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 28, 2025

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence leaned on his legs to score both touchdowns to lift the Jaguars to an imperative win over the Colts. Jacksonville sits at 12-4, set to host a playoff game and claim the AFC South title with a win over the last place Titans in Week 18.

Jacksonville stormed back behind Lawrence, who repeatedly burned the Colts with his arm and his legs. The Jaguars retaliated as Lawrence scrambled into the end zone for a 4-yard rushing touchdown to finish a 12-play drive and get Jacksonville on the scoreboard. After Lawrence hit receiver Parker Washington with a 37-yard bomb in the third quarter, the longest play of the game, he scored a 6-yard touchdown run that gave the Jaguars their first lead at 14-10.

The Colts responded quickly as Rivers hit receiver Josh Downs for an 18-yard catch on third down. After a defensive pass interference call moved the ball inside the Jacksonville 10, Rivers found veteran tight end Mo Ali-Cox for a 5-yard touchdown to reclaim a 17-14 lead. Rivers’ lone touchdown pass was the 425th passing TD of his 18-year career, which is the sixth-most in NFL history.

Mo enters the chat

FOX pic.twitter.com/sbdjcFcI8e

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 28, 2025

The Jaguars tied the game late in the third quarter with a 34-yard field goal after Lawrence converted multiple third downs, including a 19-yard completion to tight end Brenton Strange. Jacksonville then capitalized on a Rivers interception midway through the fourth quarter, turning a short field into a Little 42-yarder to take the lead. Lawrence finished with 263 total passing yards and two rushing touchdowns, while Washington led all receivers with 115 receiving yards, including the 37-yard strike that flipped momentum in the third quarter.

It would be tough to find a more epic collapse from any Colts season in the Indianapolis era after starting the 2025 season 7-1, only to lose six straight games and fall out of playoff contention to spoil the holiday weekend. The Colts became just the sixth team since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to win seven of their first eight games and miss the playoffs.

Teams to start a season 7-1 and miss the playoffs:
*2025 Colts
*2012 Bears
*1996 Redskins
*1988 Saints
*1987 Chargers
*1975 Dolphins

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 28, 2025

Instead of an inspirational send-off, the home finale became yet another chapter in the frustrating finishes with this core. If Sunday was the final curtain call of the farewell tour for Grandpa Phil, it proved that he can still compete among the NFL’s best players despite a five-year absence. Enough so that head coach Shane Steichen chose him to command the troops with nothing to play for.

The Colts hit the road for the regular season finale against the rival Houston Texans next Sunday.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ce-with-six-straight-losses-down-home-stretch

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts-Texans opening odds: One more for the road

Another season of Opening Odds is in the books. While it isn’t the way any of us would like to see the season end, I hope you enjoyed it. The Indianapolis Colts are set to conclude their season with a rather meaningless road contest against the Houston Texans who ended the Colts’ season Saturday night. It was one of the biggest up and down seasons we have seen, and FanDuel Sportsbook sees the Colts going out with a whimper. The losing streak is predicted to continue with the Colts at +10.5 in the spread.

The money line is set at +480 while the over/under comes in at 39.5

Even though the Colts played Sunday, their season ended on Saturday thanks to the Texans. With something on the line, the results might have been different, but the Colts didn’t appear they would have used the gift from the Texans anyway. It was a solid effort from the Colts that saw them leading late in the third, but serving as a microcosm of the season, when things got tight, no one rose to the occasion. Too many times this team was a play or two away from claiming victory, but the hero it needed never emerged. Thus was the case on Sunday as the Jaguars scored the last nine points and set themselves up nicely to win the AFC South.

The Texans looked the part as they made the Chargers look pedestrian. The Chargers had won seven out of their last eight and had a shot at the AFC West crown. Everything was on the line, and they laid an absolute egg. Give credit to Houston who came out firing, needing seven plays on the first two drives to score fourteen. C.J. Stroud and the offense pretty much shut it down after that, but the defense made sure it was enough. The Chargers were limited to three points in the first half and their normally reliable kicker, Cameron Dicker, missed a 32-yard field goal and an extra point. That proved to be the difference and gave the Texans a playoff berth and a shot at the division.

For a team that had aspirations and looked like it had finally found something, week eighteen leaves more questions than answers. It is difficult rooting against your team, but what does a win really do besides cost draft position? Would it be nice to deny the Texans the AFC South at the hands of the Colts? Maybe. Would it be nice to move up another spot or two in the draft order? Unfortunately, just like too many seasons, the answer is yes.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...lts-texans-opening-odds-one-more-for-the-road

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Monday Morning Awards: Week 17 vs. Jaguars

8-8, the losing streak continues, and this team keeps finding ways to lose. A cultural reset is clearly needed, starting from the general manager all the way down to the key players. This team is not going anywhere the way it is built, and to top it all off the Colts don’t have their first round picks for the next two drafts.

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MVP of the Game: Laiatu Latu​

Latu is in my opinion one of the most underrated edge rushers in the NFL. Playing on a front seven that has no consistent pass-rushers other than him, he still manages to generate pressure, he has improved drastically finishing plays and getting sacks, and has stepped up batting passes and has an absurd three interceptions this year. He has lived up to the hype of the first round pick used on him, and was by far the Colts’ best defensive player this season. Imagine what he could do surrounded with players that opposing offensive lines have to pay attention to.

Dud of the Game (The Ballard): Zaire Franklin / Shane Steichen​

Zaire played much better this season with Anarumo, but his play is still subpar. Take a closer look to the third down conversions of the Jaguars’ offense, and really stare at #44. If I am able to see it I just cannot understand how the coaches don’t, unless there is some sort of explanation for it, but the amount of times he just stands there as the receiver blows past him, allowing an easy completion, is insane. Yes he is solid in the run game, and he has improved his game as a pass-rusher, but in today’s NFL linebackers need to be able to at least be competent in pass-coverage. He is also one of the leaders on a team that has not made the playoffs since he is a starter, and that has suffered several late-season collapses. When everything fails the blame starts at the top, and Franklin has positioned himself as one of the top dogs in the team, for better or worse.

Steichen gets the dud of the game because of one of the most obvious questionable calls I have seen from a head-coach: going for it on 4th & 11 near midfield. It is simple statistic here, the chances of the Colts converting a 4th and 11 with Philip Rivers at quarterback are probably around 1%, give or take. Giving the Jaguars the ball back in that position means that they are in 4th down territory (with a conversion essentially ending the game, which is what happened), or say you turn the ball over and manage to force a 3 and out, then the Jaguars punt the ball and most likely force you to start at your own 10-15 yard line. Now if the Colts had punted the ball then the Jags start at their own 20-yard line (average), too risky to go for it on 4th down in that area of the field, and if the defense holds and forces a 3 and out then the offense gets the ball back at the 40 (again, give or take). The decision to go for it was dumb, and another late game mismanagement by Steichen.

Best play of the Game: First three drives​

Not like it really mattered because the Colts were already eliminated before the game started, but for the first three drives it seemed like the Colts were going to manage to win this one and give the fans some happiness to end the year. First drive: an excellent kickoff return by Dulin, followed by some yards on the ground and a chip shot by Grupe to get the Colts up early. Then the defense allowed the Jags to drive down the field before a fumble recovery on a mishandled lateral, followed by a methodical 15-play drive that finished with a touchdown to put the Colts up 10-0.

Worst play of the Game: Lawrence 9-yard completion to Meyers on 3rd and 10, followed by 4th down conversion on QB sneak.​

That was rough. First of all Lawrence places a perfect ball to Meyers, who was blanketed by Moore, but still managed to make an amazing catch near the sideline to set up a 4th and 1 instead of 3rd and 10. That was an amazing play by both the quarterback and the wide receiver, one of those plays where the defense cannot do anything to stop it. What came after that was bad though, with the Jaguars in clear sneak situation the Colts’ defense inexplicably left the left side wide open resulting in perhaps the easiest QB sneak conversion this season for Lawrence.

Unsung hero: Germaine Pratt​

For a linebacker picked off the street in Week 6, Pratt has been solid. Against the Jags he got an interception in the redzone, and finished the game with 7 tackles. He is not starting linebacker material because very much like Franklin he is a liability in coverage, but as for depth and veteran leadership he is worth keeping around next year.

Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren​

Once again, not because of any particular merit by Warren but because the only other rookie with significant playing time was Jalen Travis and he struggled dealing with JHA and Travon Walker. Warren caught all five of his targets for 43 yards, a solid outing.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...olts-monday-morning-awards-week-17-vs-jaguars