The Colts' quarterback room just took another major hit-and this one stings.
Daniel Jones, who had been brought in as a potential stabilizer amid Anthony Richardson’s injury absence, tore his Achilles on Sunday and is now out for the season. That leaves Indianapolis in a tough spot, with rookie Riley Leonard currently next in line to take the reins under center.
But there might be another path forward-one that involves a very familiar name: Joe Flacco.
Flacco, who had a brief stint with the Colts back in 2024, is currently with the Bengals after a short run with the Browns earlier this season. And with Cincinnati’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, there’s growing chatter that Flacco could be on the move again-potentially back to Indianapolis.
The idea isn’t just fan fiction. On Sunday, a sports medicine professional on social media floated the possibility of Flacco and the Bengals parting ways, with the veteran QB signing with the Colts shortly after. It’s speculative, sure-but it makes football sense.
Here’s the situation: the Browns initially sent Flacco to Cincinnati to serve as an emergency option when Joe Burrow went down. Now that Burrow is back and Jake Browning has emerged as a capable backup, Flacco’s role in Cincinnati is diminishing. If the Bengals decide to release him, it would clear the way for him to sign elsewhere-no trade necessary, since the deadline has already passed.
That “elsewhere” could easily be Indy.
For the Colts, adding a seasoned veteran like Flacco would be less about chasing a long-term solution and more about stabilizing the offense in the short term. With Richardson still sidelined and Jones out for the year, they need someone who’s been there before-someone who can step in, command a huddle, and keep the team competitive as the season winds down.
Flacco fits that bill. He’s not the same gunslinger who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl, but he’s still a steady hand with a deep knowledge of NFL defenses and enough arm talent to keep defenses honest. And at this point in his career, it seems like teams are giving him one last run at meaningful snaps.
The Bengals aren’t officially out of the playoff hunt, but they’re teetering on the edge. If they decide to roll with youth behind Burrow, moving on from Flacco would be a logical next step. And for the Colts, it could be the lifeline they need to stay afloat in a season that’s been anything but predictable.
No moves have been made yet, but keep an eye on this one. If Flacco becomes available, don’t be surprised if Indianapolis picks up the phone.