Colts not sure if QB Anthony Richardson (orbital fracture) will return this season

Dec 08, 2025

With Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones out for the season after tearing an Achilles tendon on Sunday, the next question becomes whether Anthony Richardson will be able to step in.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Richardson — who suffered an orbital fracture prior to the Week 6 game against the Cardinals — has not been cleared to return. Moreover, the Colts don’t know when or if he’ll be cleared at any point in 2025.

Related players: Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien

Fantasy Impact:

Richardson’s injury was the result of a freak accident with an exercise band. With Richardson's status unknown, it looks like Leonard will get the start. Rypien is on the practice squad, according to the story. On Sunday, the emergency option was tight end Tyler Warren, the story went on to say.

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Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (rib) could have returned

Marcel Louis-Jacques on X

1 hour ago

Mike McDaniel said Dolphins RB De’Von Achane was available to return in an emergency — he chose not to put him back in the game.

Related players: Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright

Fantasy Impact:

The good news is Achane performed well enough during his time that he gave fantasy owners about 17 points in PPR leagues before leaving. It was Wright who took over with 24 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown while Gordon ran for a line of 5-17-1 in a blowout win over the Jets. The post went on to say, as for Achane's availability next week vs. the Steelers, McDaniel said, “I promise you, he’ll be in there if he’s ready.” Achane's practice report will be one to monitor this week as ribs can be a tricky injury. More good news is the Dolphins are now 6-7, so this will be an important game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The bad news is, Achane plays on Monday night at the Steelers, so if he's a game-time call owners will want to make sure they have a backup plan heading into the game.

Colts Beat: QB Riley Leonard performed better than expected

Stephen Holder on X

1 hour ago

On Sunday, Riley Leonard performed better than I would have ever expected. And there's a reason for that. I talked to him last week about his expanded practice reps since Anthony Richardson's injury. The scout team reps have been VERY beneficial, he said.

Fantasy Impact:

This is just Holder's opinion, who is the Colts beat writer for ESPN. Holder also mentioned that back in summer he didn't think Leonard would be capable of meaningful snaps. Holder added an 0-4 mark to end the season is still possible for the Colts. But, he thinks Leonard can be better after a full week of preparation. Holder added Leonard's a diligent student, soaks up knowledge and is eager to learn more and that he'll be prepared. Leonard isn't someone to grab off the waiver wire and start in 10-team leagues, but in deeper two-QB leagues or superflex leagues, you can never overlook a quarterback who looks like he could get significant playing time going forward.

Steelers WR DK Metcalf (stomach) flying back to Pittsburgh Monday

Ian Rapoport on X

2 hours ago

DK Metcalf was experiencing stomach pains on the flight and out of an abundance of caution, team medical personnel sent him to a nearby hospital. He's flying back to Pittsburgh today.

Fantasy Impact:

Metcalf stayed overnight in a Baltimore hotel after going to a local hospital following the game, the team confirmed. It's good news Metcalf is already on his way back to rejoin his team. The Steelers do play on Monday night, so this will be worth monitoring this week as we get to the fantasy playoffs. Metcalf is coming off a 7-148-0 game where he was targeted 12 times.