TheIndianapolis Coltsare going to have to play the remainder of the 2025 NFL season without starting quarterbackDaniel Jonesat their disposal.
Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tearduring the team's 36-19 Week 14 loss to theJacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old was visibly upset after suffering the non-contact injury but will now focus on trying to ready himself for the start of the 2026 NFL season.
The Colts will be thin at quarterback with Jones out of action.Anthony Richardson, who started the season as the team's backup signal-caller, remains on IR aftersuffering a fractured orbital boneahead of the team's Week 6 game against theArizona Cardinals.
That leaves sixth-round rookieRiley Leonardas the team's starting quarterback and journeymanBrett Rypienas the lone other healthy quarterback in Indianapolis' organization.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
That said, the Colts are highly likely to add another quarterback to the fold to provide depth behind Leonard and Rypien. The pickings on the free-agent market are slim, but Indianapolis – which, at 8-5, is still within striking distance of an AFC wild-card berth despite a three-game losing streak – could potentially get creative as it tries to keep its postseason chances alive.
Here's a look at some external quarterback options for the Colts to consider as they deal with a catastrophic quarterback injury.
Sam Ehlinger
Realistically, the Colts will probably have to sign a quarterback like Ehlinger to provide depth to their quarterback room rather than chase a dream option.
Ehlinger, 27, is currently on the Denver Broncos practice squad but spent the first four seasons of his career with the Colts. He was the team's third-string quarterback last season and would have familiarity with Steichen's scheme, making him an ideal backup choice for Indianapolis.
Ehlinger has made just three career starts, all of which came in 2022. He posted an 0-3 career record across those games and has completed 63.4% of his passes for 573 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 96 yards on 20 carries.
Taylor Heinicke
If the Colts want more starting experience than Ehlinger provides, Heinicke represents one of the best free-agent quarterbacks available. The 32-year-old has a 13-15-1 record across 29 career starts and has completed 62.5% of his career passes for 6,663 yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.
Most importantly, Heinicke has experience comporting himself well as an emergency replacement at quarterback. In 2020, he famously was called upon to start a playoff game for Washington. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 46 yards and a score on the ground and gave the Commanders a fighting chance in a loss against the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Heinicke could be asked to play a similar role for Indianapolis.
Trevor Siemian
Like Heinicke, Siemian has a solid amount of starting experience. The 33-year-old has made 33 regular-season starts during his career while posting respectable numbers, including a 58.5% completion rate, 7,751 passing yards, 44 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.
Siemian is currently on theTitanspractice squad, so the Colts would need to sign the Northwestern product to their 53-man roster to take him away from their divisional rival.
Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill might be an option in name only for the Colts. The 37-year-old admitted in a late-November interview withThe Escapisthe believes he is likely done playing in the NFL.
"I think that chapter is closed," Tannehill said of his future. "I think last year, that was where I was at, if the right opportunity came up and was right for our family. Staying in shape and staying ready. I had plenty of calls, but nothing ever felt like the right opportunity that I was looking for. That was last NFL season. At this point, I think that ship has sailed for me."
Tannehill may remain steadfast in his belief. However, if the Colts can convince him to give the NFL one last shot, he could be the type of stabilizing force that gives Indianapolis a chance to stay afloat and work its way into a wild-card berth.
Tannehill has a career record of 81-70 in 151 starts and has completed 64.3% of his passes for 34,881 yards, 216 touchdowns and 115 interceptions. His experience would provide a boost to Indianapolis' otherwise green quarterback room and he would be a good fit for Shane Steichen's offense.
So, at the very least, the Colts should give Tannehill a call and see if he's willing to end his pseudo-retirement.
Hendon Hooker
If the Colts are merely looking for upside at quarterback now, they could take a look at Hooker. The Tennessee product was released from the Carolina Panthers' practice squad in early November and still hasn't landed with another NFL team.
Hooker was a third-round pick by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft after he completed 69.6% of his passes for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 430 yards and five touchdowns during his senior season. The 27-year-old has yet to carve out success at the NFL level, but perhaps Steichen will see some upside in a quarterback who has previously been lauded for his accuracy and mobility.
Hooker has attempted just nine career NFL passes, completing six of them for 62 yards.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Colts QB options: Who could team target after Daniel Jones injury?