The Indianapolis Colts ended their season with an 8-9 record. A promising start, including a 7-1 mark, was derailed by numerous injuries throughout the second half, including a torn Achilles suffered by quarterback Daniel Jones. The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention multiple weeks before the end of the regular season.
Indianapolis made a notable move after Jones was lost for the season, signing quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement. Rivers had been out of the league since the 2020 season and returned at age 44. The Colts appeared to be out of options, but Week 18 may have proved otherwise.
Ryan Clark Attacks Colts For Signing Philip Rivers Instead Of Playing Riley Leonard
With the Colts officially eliminated, there was little reason for Rivers to play instead of Riley Leonard. It would have been valuable for the Colts to give extra reps to the rookie, with nothing left to play for. However, the reality turned out better than expected.
Leonard finished the game completing 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He connected on several big plays, particularly with wide receiver Alec Pierce. As a result, ESPN’s Ryan Clark questioned why the Colts did not make Leonard the starter after Jones went down.
“I thought Riley Leonard should have started when Jones was injured,” Clark tweeted. “Everyone was in an uproar because they supported Rivers. Although Rivers played better than expected today only enforces my feelings. Leonard’s youth and athleticism would have given them a much better chance!”
I thought Riley Leonard should have started when Jones was injured. Everyone was in an uproar because they supported Rivers. Although Rivers played better than expected today only reinforced my feelings. Leonard’s youth and athleticism would have given them a much better chance.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) January 4, 2026
Leonard’s performance against a strong Texans defense inspired confidence, though he also finished with three turnovers. The Colts ultimately lost 38-30 in a game with no postseason implications. From a draft-position standpoint, the loss may benefit Indianapolis, even though tanking is not an accepted practice in the NFL as it is in other major leagues.
Jones’ injury was the primary factor behind Indianapolis’ poor second half of the season, but a more difficult schedule and mounting defensive injuries also played a role. The Colts traded two first-round picks for cornerback Sauce Gardner, who also missed significant time.
Jones ended the season with a solid B grade in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, ranking No. 5 with an 86.2 score. He is set to become a free agent, but he is expected to return to Indianapolis as he continues to recover from his injury, with few teams likely to pursue him.
