Colts’ QB Crisis Deepens as Riley Leonard Faces Knee Injury
INDIANAPOLIS – Colts quarterback Riley Leonard, who stepped in for injured starter Daniel Jones following his season-ending Achilles tear on Sunday, is now dealing with an injury of his own.
Coach Shane Steichen confirmed Monday that Leonard, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, reported an unspecified knee issue to the team’s medical staff. “We’re working through that right now,” Steichen said.
When asked if Leonard is expected to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, Steichen said, “That’s the hope. We’ll see how it goes.” The coach offered no additional details on the severity or nature of the injury. Leonard did not appear to sustain any injury during Sunday’s game, finishing 18 of 29 for 145 yards and one interception after entering in the final play of the first quarter.
Leonard has been the Colts’ primary backup since former starter Anthony Richardson Sr. landed on injured reserve in October following a freak pregame accident with stretching bands that caused a facial fracture. Richardson has not yet been cleared to return, though the team has not ruled it out.
With Leonard now injured, Indianapolis is expected to pursue at least one quarterback move this week. Leonard is currently the only healthy QB on the active roster, though journeyman Brett Rypien is on the practice squad and could be promoted.
Meanwhile, Steichen confirmed that Jones’ right Achilles tear will require surgery later this week. “Just very unfortunate,” Steichen said of Jones, whom he called “one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around.” Jones is set to hit free agency in March, and the injury could significantly impact the Colts’ plans to retain him.
In other injury news, cornerback Charvarius Ward was placed in concussion protocol Monday after experiencing symptoms. If diagnosed, it would be Ward’s third concussion this season and follows a severe head injury he suffered during pregame warmups in October against the Arizona Cardinals. Ward admitted the lingering symptoms left him questioning his football future.
Ward’s potential absence adds to the Colts’ already strained secondary, as two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner remains sidelined with a calf injury expected to keep him out for multiple weeks.
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