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| Image Source :: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack |
On December 7, 2025, in a Week 14 game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, Daniel Jones suffered a right-leg Achilles injury early in the first quarter. He fell to the turf after a throw, grabbed his leg in pain and later slammed his helmet on the ground — a visceral display of frustration at what quickly became obvious was a serious injury. NFL.com+2FOX Sports+2
He limped off to the locker room, but did not return. The team later confirmed that the injury is likely season-ending. Head coach Shane Steichen said bluntly: “It’s not looking good.” Indianapolis Colts+2FOX Sports+2
The timing couldn’t be worse. Daniel Jones had already been playing through a fractured fibula in his left leg. The Achilles injury is on his right leg — meaning both legs are now compromised. Indianapolis Colts+2FOX Sports+2
Before the injury, Jones had put up solid numbers this season: over 3,000 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Reuters+2FOX Sports+2
With Jones out, a key run at the postseason now hangs by a thread.
Enter Riley Leonard — Rookie taking center stage
All of a sudden, a rookie becomes the Colts’ quarterback. That’s Riley Leonard, the sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, out of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Indianapolis Colts+2AOL+2
Because the usual back-up, Anthony Richardson, remains sidelined — he suffered a freak orbital bone injury earlier this season after a resistance band snapped during pregame warmups. He’s on injured reserve and still hasn’t been cleared. Indianapolis Colts+2AOL+2
So the Colts turned to Leonard. In his first extended action in the NFL — in that same game vs. the Jaguars — he completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, threw one interception, and scrambled in for a rushing touchdown. Not perfect, but not panic-inducing either. Indianapolis Colts+2Stampede Blue+2
Teammates praised him after the game. Leonard said Jones has been “the most competitive” guy he’s ever met, and credited him for helping on the sideline despite being injured. The locker room rallied around the rookie, embracing a “next man up” mindset. Indianapolis Colts+2Indianapolis Colts+2
What this means for the Colts’ depth chart — and what’s ahead
With Jones out for the season, Leonard is now the starting QB. Indianapolis Colts+1
Behind him, the picture is thin. Anthony Richardson remains on IR. The next in line may be Tyler Warren — a rookie tight end who has taken some snaps at QB in college. There’s also veteran backup Brett Rypien, though he’s currently on the practice squad and not part of the active 53-man roster. NBC Sports+2CBS Sports+2
This thin QB room puts pressure on the Colts not only this season but into 2026 and beyond. Their playoff hopes are now in flux. At 8–5, the loss dropped them in the standings — and the injury makes pushing toward the postseason far more uncertain. Reuters+2FOX Sports+2
Why Riley Leonard matters right now
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He’s the only healthy QB on the active roster right now. With Jones out and Richardson unavailable, Leonard moves from backup to starter overnight. Indianapolis Colts+2NBC Sports+2
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First real test under fire. The Jaguars game was Leonard’s first full game — not a throwaway moment, but a meaningful start at the worst possible time. Stampede Blue+2Reuters+2
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Lockroom respect. Veterans seem publicly supportive — and Leonard says Jones has helped him get ready for this role even when he was just a backup. Indianapolis Colts+1
Colts’ future depends on it. The way Leonard performs in the coming weeks could reshape the team’s trajectory — for this season and beyond.
What’s next for Daniel Jones — and his future
For Daniel Jones, the Achilles injury likely ends his 2025 season. Reports from credible sources indicate a torn Achilles tendon. FOX Sports+2CBS Sports+2
Recovery from an Achilles tear typically takes many months. Given that he was already playing on a fractured fibula — and now has serious injuries to both legs — it’s hard to know if Jones will be ready to vie for starting duties in 2026.
That raises all kinds of questions. Will the Colts invest in a new quarterback in the draft or free agency? Do they believe in Leonard? Do they give Richardson another chance once healthy — if he ever fully recovers from the eye injury?
Right now, nothing is certain.
The broader fallout — what this means for Colts’ 2025 season
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Playoff hopes are dimmer. Losing your starting QB mid-season is brutal — even moreso when both top backups are unavailable. The Colts were already on shaky ground after several losses; this could push them out of contention entirely.
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Team morale and identity tested. For a team built around optimism after a strong start, this is a gut punch. Their locker room has rallied, but talent on the roster only goes so far.
A long-term decision point looms. The front office must decide quickly: invest in 2026’s QB plans or double down on developing Leonard or Richardson.
Why we should pay attention to Riley Leonard
Riley Leonard isn’t some untested project anymore. Right now, he’s the starter. How he handles this pressure — the learning curve, the defense scheming against him, the playoff-or-bust urgency — will tell us whether he’s filler, or a real building block for the Colts.
Bottom line: Injuries opened the door. Leonard stepped through. Now the question is: can he walk the walk?
Thinking Ahead
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Will the Colts look for QB help via trade, free agency, or the 2026 draft?
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Can Leonard grow fast enough to lead them through the rest of the season?
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What’s Daniel Jones’ rehab timeline — and whether he’ll return to form, or become a rehabilitation success but lost to free agency?
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When might Anthony Richardson return — or will the eye injury derail him long-term?
All are big, uncertain questions.
Conclusion
The season for the Indianapolis Colts has taken a sharp turn. What began as a promising year under Daniel Jones now feels like a precarious balancing act. For now, the burden falls squarely on Riley Leonard — a rookie thrown into stormy waters, expected to guide the ship.
Whether he succeeds or falters will define not just the rest of 2025, but the identity of the Colts for years to come. As fans, analysts, and even casual observers, it’s time to watch closely.
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