The Indianapolis Colts quarterback situation became the league’s focal point after veteran Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the Colts’ only injury; former first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. is on the injured reserve after breaking his orbital bone. Even Riley Leonard, who began the season as the third-string quarterback, suffered a PCL strain. This left the Colts scrambling, and now they hope Philip Rivers still has a bit of the magic that made him an eight-time Pro Bowler.
Why Are Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Not Playing?
Previously en route to winning the 2025 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Jones underwent surgery with a six-to-eight-month return timetable. Reports indicate the Colts expect Jones to be cleared for training camp next summer, but they still face a Week 15 decision amid multiple injuries across the depth chart.
As the team evaluated options, Indianapolis elevated 44-year-old Rivers to the 53-man roster, positioning the former Pro Bowler to start against the Seattle Seahawks. The move reflects necessity rather than novelty; with Jones sidelined and other quarterbacks unavailable, the Colts prioritized immediate stability to maintain their playoff trajectory.
The backdrop includes Jones’ resurgent season and the franchise’s urgency to maintain competitiveness despite late-season attrition at the position and elsewhere on the roster.
Jones sustained a non-contact Achilles injury during last week’s loss and underwent surgery in New York, with sources expecting a six-to-eight-month recovery that targets full clearance by training camp. That timeline ruled him out for Week 15 and informed the Colts’ short-term approach while they determine longer-term contract and roster decisions this offseason.
Meanwhile, backup Richardson is on injured reserve, further depleting the team’s quarterback availability and leaving Indianapolis to address the immediate starter role before facing Seattle. Combined with additional injuries, the Colts’ elevation of Rivers reflects the reality of their depth chart: Jones is rehabbing after surgery, Richardson remains unavailable, and the club needed a veteran with system familiarity to stabilize the offense.
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This sequence of events set the stage for the Colts to activate Rivers and proceed with contingency planning for the position as they manage the demands of December.
Philip Rivers To Start For the Colts vs. Seahawks in Week 15
To align their operational plan for the Seahawks, the Colts elevated Rivers to the 53-man roster, paving the way for him to start Sunday. At the same time, Jones rehabs, and Richardson remains on injured reserve. Rivers last played for the Colts in 2020 and reunites with head coach Shane Steichen, who worked with him in Los Angeles, adding a layer of familiarity to a rapid installation week.
As the transition unfolded, Jones issued a public statement thanking teammates, coaches, the organization, and fans, underscoring the tone around a locker room adjusting to a veteran addition and a sidelined starter.
“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, the Colts organization, and all the fans for the overwhelming support,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “Tough way to end this season, but it has been an honor to wear the horseshoe and play for Colts fans. I’ll miss lining up with my guys, but I’ll be riding with them every step of the way. Go Colts!”
The Colts’ approach emphasizes continuity and competitive intent in a crucial December game.
