Colts Collapse in Jacksonville-Again-as QB Questions Cloud Their Playoff Push
Another trip to Jacksonville, another gut punch for the Indianapolis Colts.
Sunday’s 36-19 loss to the Jaguars wasn’t just a bad day at the office-it was a continuation of a brutal trend that’s plagued this franchise for over a decade. That’s now 11 straight losses in Duval County, and this one might sting the most.
Not only did the Colts never hold a lead, but they also watched the Jaguars seize control of the AFC South while their own playoff hopes took another hit. What once looked like a potential top seed has now slipped to the edge of the wild card race, with Houston breathing down their necks.
And the bad news didn’t stop with the scoreboard.
Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones exited early with a torn right Achilles tendon, a devastating blow that likely ends his season-and possibly his time in Indianapolis. Head coach Shane Steichen didn’t sugarcoat it, saying “it’s not looking good,” and that might be putting it mildly. Jones was the Colts’ eighth different Week 1 starter in the last nine seasons, and now the quarterback carousel looks ready to spin again.
The injury raises some tough questions for a team that’s been trying to find long-term stability under center. Will Jones be healthy in time for 2026?
Is the next starter even on the roster-or in the league-right now? The Colts have spent years patching the position together, and with the trade deadline behind them, there’s no quick fix on the horizon.
There’s also uncertainty around third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. He’s still recovering from a broken orbital bone, and while there’s hope he could be activated before the season ends, the decision isn’t just about readiness-it’s about risk. Do you bring him back at less than 100% in the middle of a playoff push, or play it safe and focus on the long-term?
That leaves rookie Riley Leonard, who took over after Jones went down. Leonard showed some poise, finishing 18-of-29 for 145 yards and scoring his first NFL rushing touchdown late in the game. It wasn’t a breakout performance, but it was a steady one-and given the circumstances, that might be enough to earn him more reps down the stretch.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville looked like a team that’s been here before-and they have. Trevor Lawrence was efficient and in control, throwing for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Travis Etienne added two rushing scores, including a back-breaking 28-yard touchdown that extended the lead to 21-10. The Jaguars didn’t just win-they dictated the game from start to finish.
For Indianapolis, this was supposed to be a year of taking the next step. Just weeks ago, the front office pushed their chips in by trading two first-round picks to the Jets for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. While Gardner has made his presence felt with two pass breakups and 11 tackles in three games, even elite coverage can’t carry a defense when the offense is sputtering and the pass rush isn’t getting home.
Now, with the trade deadline in the rearview and a brutal December ahead, the Colts are running out of time-and options. Next up is a tough road test in Seattle, followed by a Monday Night Football showdown at home against the 49ers. Then comes a rematch with the Jaguars and a season finale in Houston that could decide everything.
The Colts are still in the playoff picture, but the margin for error is gone. The quarterback situation is murky, the defense is stretched thin, and the schedule isn’t doing them any favors. If Indianapolis is going to salvage this season, it’s going to take resilience, creativity-and maybe a little bit of luck.
Right now, they need all three.