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INJURY UPDATE: Colts Receive a Wave of Good News After Daniel Jones’ Season-Ending Injury Ahead of Week 15

Indianapolis, Indiana – After the devastating news that quarterback Daniel Jones would miss the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles, many expected the Indianapolis Colts to spiral into a full-scale crisis. Instead, Wednesday’s injury report brought a surge of positivity — arguably the most encouraging update the team has received in weeks — just days before their crucial Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

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The biggest headline centers on rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, who returned to practice as a full participant after suffering a knee ligament strain in Week 14. Leonard is now considered fully available should the coaching staff decide to start him on Sunday, a massive development for a team suddenly relying on its young passer to keep playoff hopes alive.

But Leonard wasn’t the only source of good news.

Indianapolis welcomed back several key contributors across both sides of the ball:

  • WR Josh Downs – FULL (ankle)

  • WR Alec Pierce – FULL (rib)

  • LB Zaire Franklin – FULL (knee)

  • CB Jaylon Jones – FULL (back)

  • The return of Downs and Pierce restores vital firepower to the passing game, while Franklin and Jones give the defense a much-needed boost as they prepare for Seattle’s dynamic offense.

    On the defensive line, DeForest Buckner was listed as limited, but that alone is viewed as progress considering the neck issue he’s been managing. Indianapolis hopes his workload increases as the week progresses.

    Still, not everything on the report was positive.
    Several important players remained sidelined:

    • CB Sauce Gardner – DNP (calf)

  • RT Braden Smith – DNP (concussion/neck)

  • WR Anthony Gould – DNP (foot)

  • Their statuses remain uncertain and will be monitored closely through the weekend.

    Even so, the overall outlook has shifted dramatically.
    What once looked like a catastrophic stretch for the Colts now carries renewed optimism — particularly with Leonard healthy and a core group of starters returning at the most critical point of the season.

    If Indianapolis can convert this momentum into a strong performance in Seattle, their playoff hopes may be far from over. After Wednesday’s update, one thing is undeniably clear:

    The Colts aren’t done yet — not even close.

    BREAKING: Bears Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
    Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 Chicago Bears are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Bears could be the perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Bears' defense, which is on the rise. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Bears could be the most likely destination for Mack. “Mack returns to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-2021. The Bears need to boost their pass rush without spending too much, and Mack fits that perfectly,” Pereles said. The Bears have the salary cap flexibility to bring Mack in without making a massive financial commitment, making him a sensible option for a team looking to bolster its defense without overspending. The Bears have shown strong defensive potential under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Mack could provide the veteran presence needed for a group of young, developing pass rushers. His leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would be a welcome addition, and his past success with the Bears makes him an ideal candidate to return to Chicago. However, the Bears won’t be the only team competing for Mack. Other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks are also interested. The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers have multiple defensive needs, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a big splash signing. “Bears is my old home, where I spent some of the most important years of my career. Even though I’ve been away, Chicago has always been in my heart. Coming back here is not just an opportunity to contribute to the team but a homecoming journey. I believe I can bring strength and experience to help the Bears go further, and if given the chance, I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve great things,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the years ahead. But as the Bears continue their pursuit of a championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.