Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Colts receive concerning Daniel Jones news heading into Week 13 game against Texans

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 8:17 AM ET

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard probably wasn't expecting to play this season, but there's a chance he could.

On Thursday, NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported Colts starting QB Daniel Jones, who has been battling a lower leg injury, suffered a fracture in his fibula. When the injury occurred remains unclear.

It's not expected to be a long-term issue for Jones, who is going to try to play in the Colts' home game against the Houston Texans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Per Rapoport, he was a full participant during Thursday's practice. Whether he plays or not, it puts Indianapolis in a challenging position heading into the critical AFC South matchup.

How Daniel Jones' injury impacts matchup against Texans

A hobbled Jones would be at a disadvantage against Houston's stingy defense. Entering Week 13, the Texans had allowed the second-fewest points per game in the league (16.5) and were tied for sixth in sacks (33).

Another person who knows Daniel Jones well said, This is not an injury he's concerned about. https://t.co/ZtwJOUnEwb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2025

The elite unit stymied QB Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 12. In Houston's 23-19 victory at home, the Texans sacked the 2024 MVP a career-high eight times.

Of course, things could go even worse for the Colts if Leonard makes his first start in Week 13. Fellow backup Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve because of an orbital fracture suffered in pregame warmups in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Leonard — a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame — filled in for Jones during a 38-14 blowout win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 8. He finished 0-of-2 passing.

Despite leading Notre Dame to the national championship during the 2024 season, Leonard (pick No. 189) wasn't considered one of the better QBs in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his predraft scouting report of the QB, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein noted he lacks consistent accuracy and a strong deep ball.

Jones' injury is bad timing for the Colts, who seem to be cooling after a hot start. Indianapolis (8-3) has lost two of its past three games and is now third in the AFC behind the Denver Broncos (9-2) and New England Patriots (10-2).

A loss to the Texans (6-5) would loosen Indianapolis' lead in the AFC South. And with Jones' status looking murky, momentum seems to be shifting toward Houston before Sunday's game.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: