Colts Injury Watch: Gardner, Raimann Trending Up, But Richardson Still Out vs. Jaguars
As the Colts prepare for a pivotal Week 17 showdown against the Jaguars, the injury report reads like a who's who of key contributors-some trending toward a return, others still sidelined, and one major name officially ruled out.
Let’s start with the headline: Anthony Richardson won’t be available this week. The rookie quarterback, still adjusting to playing with a visual limitation, practiced last week but isn’t yet ready to take the field. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Richardson won’t suit up against Jacksonville, leaving veteran Philip Rivers in line to start once again.
That decision holds regardless of what happens Saturday night when the Texans face the Chargers. But if Houston wins-or if the Colts lose to Jacksonville-Indianapolis will be eliminated from playoff contention. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if the coaching staff starts thinking about giving young signal-caller Riley Leonard a look down the stretch.
For now, though, it’s Rivers’ team. And while the 44-year-old brings leadership and experience, the Colts are hoping to get some reinforcements back around him-especially on the offensive line.
Bernhard Raimann, the Colts’ starting left tackle, is making progress after a right elbow injury suffered against Seattle. He practiced last Friday, and Steichen said he’s “very hopeful” Raimann will be ready to go this week. That would be a big boost for an offensive line that’s had to reshuffle in recent weeks.
On the defensive side, Sauce Gardner’s potential return is one of the biggest storylines to watch. The Colts gave up a haul-two first-round picks and wideout Adonai Mitchell-to land Gardner at the trade deadline, but he’s only been able to suit up for two full games before a calf injury sidelined him early in the loss to Houston.
Gardner felt a pop in his upper calf on just the second play of that game and has missed the last three weeks. But Steichen says the star corner is “progressing really well” and remains hopeful Gardner can return this week. If he does, it would be a massive lift for a secondary that’s been stretched thin.
That thinness has been compounded by the season-ending loss of Charvarius Ward, who suffered his third concussion and is now on injured reserve. Even though Ward can’t contribute on the field, Steichen praised his continued presence around the team, calling him “great energy” and a “great mindset guy” in the locker room.
The Colts are also opening the return window for Ashton Dulin, who’s missed the last four games with a hamstring injury. His potential return would add some depth and speed to a receiving corps that’s had to lean heavily on its top options in recent weeks.
So what does it all mean for Sunday?
Well, the Colts are walking a fine line between staying alive in the playoff hunt and preparing for what could be a youth movement if things don’t break their way. The return of Gardner and Raimann would be major boosts on both sides of the ball, but Richardson’s continued absence underscores the long-term view the team is taking with its franchise quarterback.
And while Rivers will get the start this week, he’s already acknowledged that the team could pivot to Leonard if the postseason is off the table. That decision, of course, will be up to the coaching staff-but Rivers made it clear he’s all in on whatever helps the team.
The stakes are clear: win and stay alive, or lose and start thinking about 2026. Either way, the Colts’ injury picture will play a major role in how this final stretch unfolds.