The Indianapolis Colts' epic meltdown during the 2025 NFL season reached a new low in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only did they get simultaneously blown out and lose control of the AFC South, but they lost quarterback Daniel Jones for the season to an Achilles' tear.
With Anthony Richardson Sr. on the Injured Reserve, rookie sixth-rounder Riley Leonard was thrust into action under center for the Colts. He actually fared much better than fans expected in his first real NFL action, but he, too, is now dealing with a right knee injury, according to Shane Steichen.
Indianapolis' chances already weren't great with Leonard under center, especially with a gauntlet of great defenses on the docket in the final quarter of the season. But if he's unable to go, their only option is practice squad veteran Brett Rypien. Starting him would feel like throwing in the towel.
Colts' best bet may be to poach Kyle McCord from Eagles' practice squad
Considering that the trade deadline has already passed and the free agent market is not exactly robust, the Colts may need to get creative with how they look to upgrade their quarterback room at this juncture. Even if Rypien is the starter, he'll need an actual backup, not just Tyler Warren.
It may sound like a sad state of affairs, but their most viable option may be hiding on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Fellow sixth-round rookie Kyle McCord, who was selected just eight picks before Leonard, may be Indianapolis' best bet if they can pry him from Philadelphia.
The Eagles already have a handful of legitimate backups behind Jalen Hurts in Sam Howell and Tanner McKee, so they may be willing to part ways with McCord if the Colts want to sign him. Steichen obviously has a deep history with Philadelphia, so perhaps he could grease the right wheels.
McCord really struggled at points in the preseason, but he seemingly got better as the exhibition slate went along. He showed enough that Steichen may be interested, especially considering his affinity for quarterbacks who have at least a little bit of mobility.
Obviously, the Colts have an incredible offensive line, the best running back in the league and a handful of great pass-catching weapons. That, combined with getting to play under Steichen, makes Indianapolis a great landing spot for a player in a bind.
Hopefully, Leonard's injury is relatively minor, and either he or Rypien can keep the offense afloat in the next few weeks and into the postseason if Richardson never returns. If not, McCord may be the Colts' best option at this point, and he is just sitting there for the taking.