Indianapolis Colts News

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) returned to practice on a limited capacity on Thursday. The 23-year-old has been on Injured Reserve since Week 6, when he suffered an orbital fracture during pregame warmups. Richardson Sr. started the season as the backup quarterback in Indianapolis behind Daniel Jones (Achilles), who went down in Week 14 with a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. The Colts have since turned to 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers, who will make his second start in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, if Rivers struggles and/or Richardson Sr. can regain full health, Richardson Sr. could conceivably reclaim starting duties in Indianapolis. While the former number four overall pick has struggled as a passer throughout his career, his rushing ability gives him fantasy upside. Across 17 career NFL games (15 starts), Richardson Sr. has rushed for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (Achilles) is listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday's injury report due to an Achilles issue. Pierce played 100% of the Colts' offensive snaps in Week 15, so this could be more of an injury management situation than an acute injury. Still, Pierce will likely need to log a full practice on either Friday or Saturday to avoid being listed as questionable for his team's Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Across 12 games this season, Pierce has recorded 39 receptions for 785 yards and two touchdowns on 68 targets. However, he recorded just one catch on one target in Week 15, which was Indianapolis' first game with Philip Rivers under center as its starting quarterback. If Pierce were to miss Week 16, Colts wideouts Josh Downs (personal) and Michael Pittman Jr. could each see an uptick in targets.

According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts are opening the 21-day practice window for third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (orbital). Richardson has been sidelined since fracturing his orbital bone before Indianapolis' Week 6 win against Arizona, reportedly due to an accident with a training band. While it's unclear if the team will have him practice ahead of Week 16's home matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, it's excellent news for his potential to return to the field, particularly if the Colts make a playoff run. With veteran Philip Rivers in the picture, the 23-year-old is unlikely to garner another chance at starting under center for the team in 2025. That said, fantasy managers should still stash him in dynasty formats.

Making his first start since January 2021, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers managed to hold his own in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 44-year-old completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and nearly led his team to an upset victory on the road. The Colts announced that Rivers will make another start in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to be a more manageable matchup than Seattle. Fantasy expectations should remain limited for Rivers, as he provides zero value as a rusher and averaged just 4.4 yards per pass attempt against the Seahawks. However, Rivers may be more productive as he gains more time to work with the Colts' pass catchers and becomes more familiar with the team's offense. In deep, two-quarterback fantasy leagues, Rivers could be a streaming option off the waiver wire in Week 16.

In 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers' first NFL game in five years with the Indianapolis Colts in Sunday's 18-16 loss to the hosting Seattle Seahawks, wide receiver Josh Downs caught his lone touchdown pass. Downs played a season-high 72% of the offensive snaps in Week 15 in Rivers' first game replacing Daniel Jones, who is out for the year with a torn Achilles. The 24-year-old wideout was tied for second on the team with five targets, catching three of them for only 13 yards and his fourth touchdown of the year. All in all, it wasn't anything special for fantasy football production, but it was notable that Downs tied Michael Pittman Jr. in targets, with Alec Pierce seeing just one look from Rivers. With Rivers shotputting balls to his receivers, Downs could become a more attractive short-area target over Pierce to close out the season, making him worth a look off the waiver wire as WR depth. Downs is rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues.

Forty-four-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers will once again draw the start for the Indianapolis Colts when they face the 49ers in a Week 16 Monday night contest, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Rivers' Week 15 start against the Seahawks was his first since 2020, and despite throwing for only 120 yards, the Colts were a last-minute field goal away from gutting out the win. The Colts won the coin toss on Sunday and elected to start on offense, making their game plan clear from the jump: run the ball, run the clock, and limit Seattle's offensive opportunities. Rivers ultimately attempted 27 passes, with his 5.2-yard ADoT ranking 28th out of 30 starting quarterbacks through Sunday and his 4.4 yards per attempt below everyone but Kenny Pickett for the week. With Indianapolis still mathematically alive for an AFC playoff spot, it seems unlikely they will deviate from that plan on Monday night, severely hurting the upside of all Colts pass catchers while leaving Jonathan Taylor in line for another huge-volume, likely low-efficiency outing.

Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) has been medically cleared from the orbital fracture he sustained in mid-October, and the "hope is to have him back practicing in the near future." The 23-year-old has been on Injured Reserve since Week 6 after getting injured in a freak accident in pre-game warmups. Richardson Sr. opened the season as the backup to Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles). However, with Jones suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, Richardson Sr. could be back in the starting mix once healthy. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers got the start for the Colts in Week 15 and completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Seattle Seahawks. If Richardson Sr. can return this season and the Colts turn the starting job over to him, his rushing ability gives him clear fantasy upside. Across 17 career NFL games (15 starts), Richardson Sr. has rushed for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns. His progress should be closely monitored heading into the team's Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) underwent successful surgery to repair his Achilles, which will sideline him for six to eight months. This should give Jones the ability to get fully cleared in time for training camp next summer. Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the two sides have reportedly not been discussing a contract extension. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts are expected to try to re-sign Jones, but the question is at what cost. Before going down in Week 14, Jones was experiencing a bounce-back season. The 28-year-old threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions, while rushing for 164 yards on 45 rushing attempts and five scores over 13 games in 2025.

Across 12 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has recorded 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. Downs has earned at least five targets in four out of his last five contests, but he's failed to crack 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 9. In Week 15, the Colts will turn to 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to replace the injured Daniel Jones (Achilles), who was lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. It's hard to project what Rivers will bring to the table for Downs and the Colts' pass-catchers, as Rivers has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 season. One certain thing is that Indianapolis faces a difficult matchup in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. Entering the weekend, Seattle ranks first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0). Between the tough matchup and the Colts' quarterback uncertainty, Downs should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 15.

The Indianapolis Colts will start quarterback Philip Rivers on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After coming out of retirement and signing with the Colts on Tuesday and getting a whole week of practice in, the 44-year-old signal-caller is set to play in his first game since the 2020 season. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) practiced in full every day this week and looks like he'll back up Rivers this week, assuming he is active. The unfortunate season-ending injury to Daniel Jones (Achilles) and the fluky injury to Anthony Richardson (eye) in pre-game warmups earlier in the season have led the Colts to rely on the eight-time Pro Bowler Rivers as the starting quarterback. Rivers profiles as a desperation QB2 option in superflex leagues in a tough Week 15 matchup on the road in Seattle.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren is only 13 games into his career at the professional level. However, he's already established himself as one of the top tight ends in the National Football League. The 2025 No. 14 overall pick has had a few rough showings, although he still ranks among the top names at the position in several statistical areas, including receptions (60), receiving yards (699), and touchdowns (four). With Indy hoping to remain in the playoff picture, the team will need a win over Seattle on Sunday. Without question, the Seahawks have one of the most imposing defenses in the NFL, meaning it could be a difficult day for the Colts offense, especially with Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard under center in place of Daniel Jones (Achilles), who is done for at least the remainder of the 2025 campaign. Still, there aren't many tight ends with as high of a ceiling as Warren, so fantasy managers should keep him starting and hope for the best. It's also worth noting that Seattle has struggled against opposing tight ends throughout the season, giving fantasy managers a reason to stay optimistic.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (rib) practiced in full all week and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's clash with the Seahawks. Pierce finished the 2024 campaign with seven touchdowns, a career-high. However, he has only scored twice this season. While the decline in trips to the end zone is a significant concern, he at least appears well on his way to having his best year in terms of receptions and receiving yards. With Indy desperately trying to remain in the postseason conversation, the team will look for a win over Seattle on Sunday. The Seahawks have one of the most formidable defenses in the National Football League, which would make life difficult for anyone. Yet, it may be an even tougher week for Pierce and the rest of the pass-catchers, considering Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee) will take over in place of Daniel Jones (Achilles), who will miss the remainder of the year. With that in mind, Pierce isn't the safest fantasy option by any means in Week 15, so managers might want to consider other options, especially with Jonathan Taylor rumored to be more involved than usual.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had a down year in 2024. However, he's turned it around this season. In 13 appearances, the 28-year-old has 69 catches (94 targets) for 699 yards. While he could have a tough time surpassing his mark from the 2023 campaign (109 receptions), he has already amassed a career-high seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Colts have struggled of late, with the team losing their last three contests. To make matters worse, Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a result, Indy will turn to Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee), who no longer carries an injury designation, in Sunday's meeting with the Seahawks. As expected, many feel that neither player will do enough to get Indianapolis back to the top of the AFC South. With that in mind, Pittman's fantasy ceiling might be at its lowest point of the season, especially with a challenging contest on tap. Although he's still a must-start in any setup, considering he's been a top fantasy wideout, managers should expect the worst and hope for the best in Week 15.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has had a stellar season. The 26-year-old leads the league in several rushing categories, including yards (1,356) and touchdowns (16). He also ranks second in attempts (247), two behind James Cook III (249). At this point, Taylor appears to be well on his way to having the best season of his career. Unfortunately, the 2020 No. 41 overall pick has cooled since finding the end zone three times versus the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin back in Week 10, scoring only once in his last three appearances. With four regular-season games left on the schedule, Indianapolis is looking for a much-needed win over Seattle on Sunday in hopes of climbing back to the top of the AFC South. However, the Colts have to figure out a way to win without Daniel Jones (Achilles), who will miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign. That means Indy will turn to the recently un-retired Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee) to take over under center in Week 15. All things considered, both quarterbacks could have a tough time getting anything going against a formidable Seahawks defense, meaning Taylor may get his number called even more than usual. Granted, JT might not have the easiest day either, considering Seattle has allowed just four rushing touchdowns this season. Still, despite the challenging matchup on the horizon, Taylor remains a must-start in all season-long fantasy formats. On the other hand, DFS managers should consider alternative options.

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Leonard was able to practice in full all week despite suffering a low-grade PCL sprain during last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was forced into action after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Leonard completed 18 of 29 passing attempts for 145 yards with an interception in relief of Jones and also rushed the ball twice for five yards and a touchdown on the ground. With Jones out for the year and Leonard hurt, the Colts went out and signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers this week. The Colts haven't revealed whether they'll go with Rivers or Leonard against Seattle. Given his ability to move the ball with his legs, Leonard is probably more appealing from a fantasy perspective. However, all signs are pointing to Rivers making his first NFL start since 2020 in Week 15 on the road in Seattle.

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) will not be activated from Injured Reserve to play this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Buckner did have his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday, though, and he was limited on Wednesday and Thursday. If he can continue to improve going into next week, Buckner could make his return on Monday Night Football in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. The struggling Colts will be without Buckner, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf), and cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (concussion) this Sunday for a tough road matchup against the Seahawks. Ward was placed on Injured Reserve this week after suffering his third concussion of the year. Buckner has recorded 42 total tackles and four sacks over 424 defensive snaps this season.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) will not play in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Gardner will miss a second straight game with a calf injury, but he's expected to return before the end of the regular season, and he could make it back as soon as Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football on Dec. 22. The Colts paid a hefty price to land the 25-year-old defensive back from the New York Jets at the trade deadline, but he's only been able to play in three games for Indy. In 10 games this season, Gardner has 33 tackles (26 solo) and eight pass breakups. Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards will continue to see more playing time in the Colts' defensive backfield with Gardner out. Not having Gardner against Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba this weekend could prove costly.

ESPN's Stephen Holder says that his time in the Indianapolis Colts' building this week has left him "more convinced" that 44-year-old Philip Rivers will be the team's starting quarterback for Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Holder adds that it's pretty clear that Indy is prepping Rivers to start after he came out of retirement this week to join the team. Rookie Riley Leonard (knee) has practiced in full for two straight days despite suffering a sprained PCL in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it looks like he'll be the backup to Rivers if he's active this weekend. Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, putting the Colts in this situation. Rivers is an eight-time Pro Bowler, but he has not played an NFL game since 2020. Consider him a desperation QB option in superflex leagues in a very difficult matchup on the road in Seattle.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday. Leonard is reportedly batting a low-grade PCL sprain in his knee, but his ability to fully participate in practice could mean he's trending towards being active for Indianapolis' Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. With Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) done for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon, the team made waves by bringing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement earlier this week. It's unclear at this point whether the team is planning to start Rivers or Leonard in Week 15, regardless of Leonard's health status. Either way, fantasy managers would likely be wise to avoid whoever is playing quarterback for the Colts in a tough matchup against Seattle.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (rib) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Pierce suffered an undisclosed injury at the end of last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but now we know it was a rib ailment. It doesn't appear to be anything serious with Pierce already back to being a full participant in practice. Fantasy managers should fully expect Pierce to be ready to play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 on Sunday on the road. His fantasy value will take a hit with quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the rest of the season. Pierce isn't as appealing with either Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee) making the start in a tough road matchup this weekend.