Stampede Blue
According to head coach Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones will undergo season-ending surgery on his torn Achiles within the week—among other injury updates (per ESPN’s Stephen Holder):
However, the new injury developments are that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, who filled in relief of Jones after the first quarter of Sunday’s loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, is now dealing with knee soreness. Steichen is “hopeful” he’ll be available Sunday on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.
Colts practice squad quarterback Brett Rypien would theoretically be the ‘next man up,’ if Leonard is unable to go—and will likely be elevated to the 53-man active roster as a backup option for depth regardless shortly.
The former undrafted free agent quarterback out of Boise State has appeared in 11 career games, making 4 starts. Rypien has completed 98 of 168 pass attempts for 950 total passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
Other options could include former Colts backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who’s on the Denver Broncos practice squad and at least knows head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive system and playbook relatively well on such short notice. Otherwise, we may see tight end Tyler Warren playing the wildcat at this going rate.
Lastly, Steichen indicated that veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward suffered his third concussion of the season, which one has to start wondering about continuing his playing career—having already contemplated retirement around midseason this year with the Colts. Already down Sauce Gardner last week and likely going forward, Indianapolis could be looking at starting Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones as their outside cornerbacks.
Obviously, having been relatively healthy last week, it’s been pretty dire injury news for Indianapolis recently.
