During the Indianapolis Colts' Week 14 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, disaster struck. Quarterback Daniel Jones has been playing through a fractured fibula, with Shane Steichen & Co. likely hoping to just make it to the end of the season.
Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen. Jones went down in the first quarter with a non-contact injury, with all indications right now pointing towards a torn Achilles. He was ruled out almost immediately after leaving the field, and fans were understandably devastated. Jones was supposed to be the Colts' franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future; now, everything is unclear.
Backup QB Riley Leonard took over, and while his performance has not been poor for a third-string rookie by any means, Indianapolis is now looking at a terrifying lack of depth at quarterback. Even if Leonard is able to continue as the starter, the Colts will need more help.
Who can the Indianapolis Colts turn to at QB after Daniel Jones’ injury?
This late in the season, there won't be a ton of options for established quarterbacks, as they'll have all been signed. The Colts may need to look to sign someone from another team's practice squad, which isn't ideal, but could give them enough depth to survive 2025, with Leonard under center. So, who would be some decent options for Indianapolis to consider?
Sam Ehlinger
That's right: a familiar face could be the person the Colts need to get them through this difficult position. Sam Ehlinger left Indianapolis for the Denver Broncos, but he landed on their practice squad, meaning he could be poached by the Colts.
Ehlinger spent time on the field for Indy, but largely spent time as a backup and as a mentor to Anthony Richardson (who is currently on injured reserve). He could be a great choice for the Colts, as he is already familiar with the team and Steichen's scheme.
Taylor Heinicke
Taylor Heinicke has bounced around the league, serving mostly as a backup QB, though he has seen some time on the field, mostly with the Washington Commanders. He's gained a reputation as an underdog and performed better when given the chance to play. Who knows? Perhaps he could surprise the crew in Indy next.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Most recently with the Eagles, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is as free as they come and could be signed immediately. He played for UCLA and was named second-team All-Pac 12 in 2020 and first-team All-Pac-12 in 2021.
He has bounced around the NFL a bit, never really making much of an impact, and the same would likely be true of the Colts. However, other teams have still been giving him workouts, signaling that there is still interest, and he could be good enough to give Indy depth.