With Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones out for the season after tearing an Achilles tendon on Sunday, the next question is whether Anthony Richardson will be able to step in.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Richardson — who suffered an orbital fracture before the Week 6 game against the Cardinals — has not been cleared to return. Additionally, the Colts don’t know when or if he will be cleared at some point in 2025.
Richardson’s injury was the result of a freak accident with an exercise band. It happened on the same day that cornerback Charvarius Ward suffered a concussion during pregame warmups.
Richardon’s status leaves rookie Riley Leonard as the starter. Brett Rypien is on the practice squad. On Sunday, the emergency option was tight end Tyler Warren.
The fourth overall pick in 2023, Richardson started four games as a rookie and 11 in 2024. The Colts signed Jones to compete with Richardson, and Jones won the job.
Richardson remains under contract through 2026. But it remains to be seen at best whether he will be able to play in any of the final four games of the regular season or any postseason games.
With the Colts falling from 7-1 to 8-5 and upcoming games against the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans, it seems increasingly likely that there will be no playoff game for the Colts in 2025 – which would be their fifth straight year without a playoff.
