Team news: Indianapolis Colts

Colts Shane Steichen: Team opening 21-day practice window for Anthony Richardson Sr. this week.

Related Players: Philip Rivers, Riley Leonard

This opens the possibility that we could see Richardson, potentially in Week 18. If/when the Colts are eliminated from the playoffs, we could assume that Rivers will no longer be taking snaps, and if Richardson logs a full game (however unlikely), he would be an interesting DFS option in the final week of the regular season.

Colts HC Shane Steichen told reporters that Philip Rivers will start again next Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers.

Related players: Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard

We reported earlier today Richardson has been cleared to practice, but the team hasn't opened his 21-day window. But even if they do, the team will roll with Rivers in Week 16.

The Colts coaxed Philip Rivers out of retirement last week and they may be getting another one of their former starting quarterbacks back on the practice field soon.

According to multiple reports, Anthony Richardson has been cleared to resume football activities. Richardson has been out since fracturing an orbital bone while working out ahead of Indianapolis’ Week 6 game against the Cardinals.

The Colts have not formally designated Richardson for return from injured reserve at this point and no word from the team if they plan to do so this week, but that would be a necessary step to get him back into practice, the story went on to say. Of course, that move creates a 21-day window for Richardson to practice with the team.

The Colts are elevated quarterback Philip Rivers to their active roster, paving the way for Rivers to make his first start in five years against the Seahawks.

This is really happening. 44-year old Rivers is back in the NFL. And because he was elevated to the active roster, he goes from being a Hall of Fame semifinalist to ineligible for another five years, until the Class of 2031. The Colts are desperate to save a season that has completely flipped, having lost four of five and having lost Daniel Jones for the season. Rivers and Brett Rypien are the two healthy quarterbacks on the roster with Riley Leonard dealing with a knee injury.

He’s actually doing it.

After retiring following the 2020 season, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is signing with the Colts’ practice squad after working out with the club on Monday night, according to multiple reports.

Related players: Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien

You know the deal by now about the Colts QB situation. As the story said, we’ll see if Rivers is available for Sunday when the Colts head to Seattle. It's just not known yet if Rivers would start over Leonard and Rypien or would just be there as an emergency QB. As we reported earlier today, Rivers has worked with young QBs about to enter the NFL Draft, so he could be there as extra support for Leonard if he plays. One interesting note about a potential Rivers return, according to the story, whether Rivers gets on the field will affect his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rivers was named as one of 15 semifinalists for the class of 2026. His candidacy will reset if he signs to Indianapolis’ active roster, the story said.

Colts QB Riley Leonard has a Grade 1 PCL sprain.

Related players: Philip Rivers, Brett Rypien

Rapoport said, "that's not the bad kind" in reference to the sprain, but Leonard's status is still up in the air for Week 15. The plan is for Rivers to join the practice squad and Leonard would start if he could, according to the post. Rapoport also said there is a chance Leonard wouldn't be able to play, but didn't say who would start if that was the case. Rapoport added Rivers has helped to work with young QBs before the NFL Draft, a list that includes Drake Maye, Bo Nix … and Leonard. Rapoport also added that Rivers - who as we just reported - actually worked out on Monday night for the Colts, and he could also serve as another set of eyes and ears for Leonard - as he did in the pre-draft process.

A report on Monday said that quarterback Philip Rivers would work out for the Colts on Tuesday, but things are moving more quickly on Indianapolis.

Per multiple reports on Tuesday morning, Rivers actually had his workout with his former team on Monday night.

Related players: Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien

Those reports indicate Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, threw the ball well during the workout, according to the story. The story added there is no word on any agreement at this time. Leonard is dealing with a knee injury and it seems as if his status for Week 15 is cloudy at best. There is also no word if Rivers, if signed, would start over Leonard or is just insurance. It's hard to imagine Rivers coming in and leading your fantasy team through the playoffs, but in deeper superflex or multi-quarterback leagues where QBs fly off your waiver wire, maybe Rivers is worth grabbing - just in case.

Colts HC Shane Steichen says "the hope" is that QB Riley Leonard will play Sunday against the Seahawks. But he can't say for certain just yet.

The last 24 hours for the Colts has been a mess, and now after all the Leonard news posted on our site, it turns out Leonard's dealing with a knee injury. The reason the Colts are hoping Leonard plays is, as the post says, "the only other QB on the roster is 29-year-old Brett Rypien. He's 2-2 as a starter with four TDs against nine picks in 11 games." Leonard did finish the game on Sunday so one would think he at least has a chance to play, but again, those in need of Leonard's services - or those who have Colts skill players - will need to monitor practice reports this week. It's shaping up to be a tough go against the Seahawks in Week 15.

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

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.

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.

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.