The Indianapolis Colts are navigating a complex quarterback situation this season, prompted first by injuries to Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones. As a result, the team ended Philip Rivers’ retirement, with the 44-year-old returning to help in the final stretch of the regular season.
Anthony Richardson Sr. Is Back In Practice for the Indianapolis Colts
Rivers’s return energizes fans, but with Richardson recovering and Monday Night Football against the 49ers looming, coach Shane Steichen faces a pivotal quarterback decision that could determine the Colts’ playoff chances.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Colts have now activated Richardson from the injured reserve list, beginning a 21-day window in which he can return to the 53-man roster. This move follows his continued recovery, though he still faces some limitations with his eye.
Richardson suffered the orbital fracture on October 12, when a pole attached to an elastic band broke and struck him in the eye during warm-ups before facing the Arizona Cardinals. After spending significant time recovering, Richardson is now participating in practices and intensifying his physical activity as he prepares to return to play.
The #Colts are opening the 21-day practice window for QB Anthony Richardson, just to get him on the field. Coach Shane Steichen said he still has some vision limitations, so not fully and 100% clear. But small progress for him to practice. pic.twitter.com/TVGURDMiax
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
The 23-year-old QB was not the starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2025 season. However, after Daniel Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon during Week 14, leaving him out for the remainder of the season, Richardson was given another opportunity to prove himself as the Colts’ quarterback of the future.
Seen as a quarterback with great long-term potential, Richardson was drafted fourth overall after strong and dynamic performances in Florida. His NFL career has been hampered by injuries, including a concussion and a shoulder sprain requiring surgery, which have stalled his technical development.
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In the 2024 season, injuries prevented Richardson from securing the starting QB role. Joe Flacco initially replaced him, but after Flacco underperformed, Richardson regained his starting position. Later, Richardson lost the role to Jones, illustrating the team’s ongoing quarterback rotation due to health and performance concerns.
Quarterback Decision: Should Rivers or Richardson Sr. Start Against 49ers?
Despite significant hype, Rivers’ first performance fell short of expectations, especially given his last game was during the pandemic. Still, the 18-16 loss to the Seahawks showed a veteran slowed in tactical reading, raising concerns ahead of a crucial Monday night game.
The Colts must win to keep playoff hopes alive, so debate about which QB should start will persist if both are healthy. However, with the 49ers, who rank No. 24 in the PFSN Defense Impact metric with a D+ grade, having the fewest sacks (16) and linebacker Fred Warner out, Rivers will have more time to throw passes and connect with tight end Tyler Warren for key gains.
