The Indianapolis Colts are heading into Week 15 with a reshuffled depth chart and more than a few moving parts, especially as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Between injuries and roster tweaks, there’s a lot to unpack about where things stand on all three phases of the game.
Let’s break down the key updates and what they mean for the Colts as they try to stay competitive down the stretch.
Quarterback: Riley Leonard Takes Center Stage
With Daniel Jones officially placed on injured reserve, the Colts find themselves in a thin spot at quarterback. Right now, Riley Leonard is the only signal-caller on the active 53-man roster. That puts a lot on the rookie’s shoulders, especially with playoff implications still hanging in the balance.
While Phillip Rivers hasn’t officially signed yet, reports indicate he’ll be joining the practice squad. That would give the Colts some much-needed insurance at the position.
Under current rules, Rivers could be elevated to the active roster up to three times before a permanent move would be required. Until then, it’s Leonard’s show.
Backfield Rotation: Still a Two-Man Split Behind RB1
The RB2 spot continues to be a shared responsibility between Tyler Goodson and Ameer Abdullah. Both have seen rotational work in recent weeks, and that trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. DJ Giddens, meanwhile, remains inactive and hasn’t factored into the game-day equation for several weeks.
This committee approach behind the starter gives the Colts flexibility in how they deploy their backs situationally. Goodson offers burst and change-of-pace value, while Abdullah brings veteran savvy and pass-catching ability. It’s not a flashy setup, but it’s been functional.
Defense: New Faces, New Roles Amid Injuries
The defensive side of the ball is where the Colts are really feeling the strain. Let’s start with the secondary.
Jaylon Carlies made his season debut this past week, logging just two defensive snaps and staying off special teams. It’s a small sample, but it signals that the coaching staff is starting to work him into the mix.
At cornerback, the loss of Chris Lammons to injured reserve prompted the team to elevate Cameron Mitchell from the practice squad. With Sauce Gardner sidelined last week in Jacksonville and Charvarius Ward still in concussion protocol, the Colts are thin at the position. Mitchell’s elevation wasn’t just a depth move-it might be a necessity if injuries persist.
On the defensive line, Chris Wormley continues to contribute despite technically being on the practice squad. Without DeForest Buckner in the lineup, Wormley has stepped up as a regular part of the defensive tackle rotation. He’s not Buckner, but he’s been serviceable, and right now, that’s what the Colts need.
Special Teams: Stability with a Few Questions
Punter: Rigoberto Sanchez
Holder: Rigoberto Sanchez
Long Snapper: Luke Rhodes
Kick Returners: Anthony Gould, Ameer Abdullah
Punt Returners: Anthony Gould, Josh Downs
The special teams unit remains largely intact, but there’s still no official placekicker listed on the depth chart. Blake Grupe is still on the practice squad and has two elevations left before the team would need to make a decision about moving him to the 53-man roster. That’s something to watch closely as the Colts look to shore up their kicking game heading into a critical stretch.
Final Thoughts
The Colts are navigating a tricky part of the season with a roster that’s been hit hard by injuries. But they’ve managed to stay afloat thanks to timely contributions from depth players and smart roster management. The quarterback situation is obviously the headline, but the real story might be how the defense and special teams adjust heading into Week 15.
Seattle is no easy opponent, and with so many moving pieces, the Colts will need to lean on their depth, coaching, and a little bit of resilience to keep their postseason hopes alive.