The Indianapolis Colts are heading into Week 15 clinging to playoff hopes, but their latest injury report paints a tough picture - and not just because of the quarterback situation that’s already been well-documented.
With Daniel Jones lost for the season due to a torn Achilles in Week 14, and Anthony Richardson still sidelined since Week 6 with a fractured orbital bone, the Colts turned to a familiar name in a desperate move: Philip Rivers. Yes, that Philip Rivers - the 43-year-old who last played in 2020, coincidentally with the Colts.
He’s back under center, and while the nostalgia is strong, the questions are louder. Can a quarterback who hasn’t thrown a professional pass in five seasons keep this team afloat in a playoff race?
But as wild as the Rivers comeback storyline is, the real concern heading into the matchup against the Seahawks might be on the other side of the ball. The Colts’ defense is limping into this game, and that could make life a whole lot easier for Sam Darnold and Seattle’s offense.
Colts Secondary Takes Major Hits
The Colts already knew they’d be without starting cornerback Charvarius Ward, who suffered his third concussion of the season in Week 14. He’s now on injured reserve for the second time this year and won’t return for the remainder of the regular season. That alone is a significant blow - Ward’s been a key piece in the secondary all year.
But it gets worse.
Sauce Gardner, the Colts’ other top corner, has officially been ruled out for Week 15 as well. He’s dealing with a calf injury suffered in Week 13, and while there was a sliver of hope he might return quickly, that door closed after the team saw Daniel Jones go down. With the postseason still in reach, there’s no reason to rush Gardner back and risk aggravating the injury.
That leaves the Colts without both starting corners against a Seahawks offense that, while not always explosive, now has a clear opportunity to attack downfield with Darnold under center. Indianapolis has had decent depth in the secondary this season, but losing two Pro Bowl-caliber corners? That’s not just a challenge - it’s a full-blown crisis.
Buckner Still Out, Smith and Gould Join Injury List
As if the secondary issues weren’t enough, the Colts will also be without star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. He’s been on injured reserve with a neck injury, and though the team opened his 21-day return window after Week 14, he was only a limited participant in practice this week and won’t be activated for Sunday’s game.
Buckner’s absence looms large. He’s the engine of the Colts’ defensive front, capable of wrecking a game plan from the interior. Without him, Indianapolis loses both pass-rush punch and run-stopping muscle - a dangerous combo against a Seahawks offense that can lean on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to control the tempo.
On offense, right tackle Braden Smith has also been ruled out due to a concussion and neck injury. Rookie Jalen Travis is expected to get the start in his place. That’s a tough assignment for a young lineman, especially in pass protection for a 43-year-old quarterback who was never mobile to begin with.
Rookie wide receiver Anthony Gould will also miss the game with an ankle injury, thinning out an already inconsistent receiving corps.
Seattle Nearly at Full Strength
While the Colts are trying to patch together a starting lineup, the Seahawks are relatively healthy heading into this matchup. The only notable absence is rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo, who has yet to make a major impact this season. That means Darnold will have his full complement of weapons, including DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, against a depleted Colts secondary.
The Bottom Line
Let’s be real: this game is going to test the Colts in every way imaginable. With Philip Rivers making his return after five years away from the NFL, the offense is a mystery - but the defense is a known issue. Missing both starting corners and a game-wrecking defensive tackle like Buckner leaves the Colts exposed against a Seattle offense that now has a clear path to attacking downfield and controlling the line of scrimmage.
If Indianapolis wants to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need a near-miraculous performance from Rivers and a defense that finds a way to hold the line despite being short-handed. It’s a tall order - but in December football, stranger things have happened.