Riley Leonard news only worsens Colts' QB problems

The Indianapolis Colts are experiencing astonishingly bad luck at the most important position. 

In Indianapolis' 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, starting quarterback Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles tendon in the first quarter. He's expected to undergo surgery later this week.

Rookie QB Riley Leonard replaced Jones against Jacksonville and was slated to make his first start in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. But now he's battling an injury. 

How Riley Leonard's injury impacts Colts' QB plans

On Monday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen revealed Leonard is "working through a knee issue." He didn't provide details on the injury and when it occurred. 

Asked whether the sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame will play Sunday in Seattle, the coach said, "That's the hope. We'll see how it goes." 

Leonard — a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame — has served as the Colts' backup QB since Anthony Richardson suffered a facial fracture during an accident in pregame warmups in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. The QB — who has an 8-7 starting record in three seasons with the Colts — remains on injured reserve and may not return this season.

Leonard struggled after replacing Jones in the loss against Jacksonville, completing 18-of-29 passes for 145 yards and tossing one interception. However, the Colts don't have another appealing QB option. 

QB Brett Rypien — whose last start came with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2023 season — would be activated from the practice squad if Leonard can't play Sunday.  The fifth-year veteran has a 2-2 record as a starter and has posted a career 59.9 passer rating, well below the league average. 

With Leonard and Rypien the only active options for the Colts, expect them to poach a QB from another team's practice squad, perhaps Denver Broncos QB Sam Ehlinger. He played for Indianapolis from 2021-24.

Oh, how things have turned for the worse for the Colts. After an 8-2 start, Indianapolis has lost three straight and now sits third in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans (8-5) and Jaguars (9-4). And with the team's QB situation only growing messier, it should continue to nosedive.