Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Colts Announce QB News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 2:54 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts announced a series of roster moves on Monday as they head into a must-win matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After an 8-2 start to the 2025 NFL season, the Colts have lost their last four games to the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks. Coming into "Monday Night Football" in Week 16, their playoff chances are down to 3 percent, according to The Athletic.

One reason for the wobble has been Indianapolis' quarterback situation. Daniel Jones was looking like an MVP candidate in the first half of the season, but he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14 against Jacksonville that ended his season.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talks with fellow quarterback Brett Rypien (4) during practice at the Colts training facility.Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With former No. 4 overall draft pick Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve and rookie Riley Leonard hurt, the Colts brought 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement to start last week against the Seahawks.

As part of the Colts' quarterback carousel, 29-year-old journeyman Brett Rypien had been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on Dec. 10, the day before Rivers was signed.

On Monday, Indianapolis waived Rypien to make way for a key player to join the roster before "Monday Night Football." Star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner was activated from injured reserve after missing five games with a neck injury.

Wide receiver Coleman Owen and offensive lineman Josh Sills were also elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.

we have activated DT DeForest Buckner from IR.

we have waived QB Brett Rypien.

we have elevated WR Coleman Owen and G Josh Sills from the practice squad to the active roster for #SFvsIND.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 22, 2025

In terms of the quarterback depth chart, the Colts appear to be covered without Rypien. Rivers will get his second consecutive start after completing 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 18-16 loss to Seattle. Leonard, now off the injury report, will be the backup QB against San Francisco.

The other good news this week was that Richardson returned to practice for the first time since suffering a fractured orbital bone in a freak accident during pregame warmups prior to a Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Colts did not activate him from injured reserve yet, but he could return to the roster before the end of the season.

The Colts-49ers game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC and the ESPN app. After that, Indianapolis has two games remaining against the Jaguars at home in Week 17 and the Texans on the road in Week 18.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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