The Indianapolis Colts have all of a sudden found themselves in a tough spot.
Daniel Jones had led Indy to a surprise place at the top of the AFC South. But on Sunday, Jones left the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with what turned out to be a torn Achilles.
And the Colts don't have Anthony Richardson to turn to. It's Riley Leonard who came on in relief of Jones on Sunday, and who at least right now looks like he'll be the starter going forward.
It changes everything about this Colts season.
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Why is Riley Leonard the Colts' new starting QB, not Anthony Richardson?
Richardson has been out injured for a couple months now and evidently isn't ready to come back yet.
"(Leonard) was the third-string option until a scary pregame accident involving quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., who sustained an orbital fracture to his face after a mishap involving stretching bands in October," ESPN's Stephen Holder writes. "Richardson remains on injured reserve."
Leonard led Notre Dame to the national championship game before being a sixth-round pick by the Colts who was chosen as a developmental option.
"Leonard has been the No. 2 quarterback ever since (Richardson's injury)," Holder writes. "And while he has worked diligently and has made significant strides -- just last week Leonard spent a late evening at Jones' house doing extra game prep -- one of the primary strengths of the Colts' offense was Jones' ability to process situations quickly and accurately and make sound decisions. Leonard will be hard-pressed to duplicate that given his inexperience."
Against the Jags, Leonard was 18-for-29 for 145 yards with an interception, and he added a rushing touchdown.
The Colts play a strong Seahawks team in Week 15. Leonard has his work cut out for him.
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