The Indianapolis Colts were expected to dominate the AFC South this season. However, quarterback Daniel Jones’s sudden injury, combined with the resurgence of other teams, has turned the tables. Indy isn’t in the driving seat anymore, and it’ll have to turn things around soon while managing a series of injuries.
Will Colts Stars Riley Leonard, Anthony Richardson, Sauce Gardner, and Alec Pierce Play in Week 15?
The Colts have a tough closing schedule, and the team would like to have these players healthy.
Riley Leonard — QB
Notre Dame rookie Riley Leonard replaced superstar starter Daniel Jones late in their loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he picked up a knee injury during the game, leaving his availability for their game against the Seattle Seahawks up in the air.
While head coach Shane Steichen “hopes” that the rookie will be ready to go, practice squad backup Brett Rypien could be called on to fill the hole.
Anthony Richardson — QB
Third-year backup Anthony Richardson’s injury adds to the woes of the Colts’ quarterback room. Eyes turned to him again when Jones went down for the season, and while Leonard was the first to fill in, the rookie’s own injury raised more questions about Indy’s quarterback depth.
While Richardson is one of two other shot-caller options, he will reportedly not be activated from the injured reserve to help out, as he’s still working through an orbital fracture that he sustained in mid-October.
Sauce Gardner — CB
Sauce Gardner missed the Colts’ 36-19 loss versus the Jaguars in Week 14 due to a calf strain.
Ian Rapoport reported on the corner’s situation on Sunday, saying:
“Last week, we know, Sauce suffered a calf strain. Considered to be more mild than anything else, and especially if you consider how absolutely terrible it looked, it seems like it’s way better than anticipated. My understanding is, this week, he progressed a lot. He is feeling good.”
The insider said Gardner would likely miss their upcoming game against the Seahawks as well, with his next realistic opportunity to return being Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Alec Pierce — WR
Alec Pierce was rumored to have suffered a concussion against the Jaguars in Week 14. However, he spoke with the media, suggesting that it wasn’t a concussion.
He’s listed as questionable early in the week, so monitoring his status as Indy takes to the practice field will be key in determining whether he’ll play against Seattle, ranked third on PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric.
Tyquan Lewis — DE
Defensive end Tyquan Lewis missed the team’s tilt against the Jags as well, working through an ankle injury. His status will be worth keeping an eye on when the team’s Wednesday injury report comes out.
In his absence, Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu will continue to hold the line, with JT Tuimoloau and Samson Ebukam as rotation pieces.