The San Francisco 49ers’ odds against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16 continue to climb. They were short road favorites before Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. The 49ers are now as high as field goal favorites with the Colts’ uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Rookie Riley Leonard figured to be the starter, but he sustained a knee injury that leaves his status up in the air, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Anthony Richardson won’t be activated from the Injured Reserve after a freak accident in Week 6, which meant the Colts needed to add a quarterback.
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How about a player who is one year younger than Kyle Shanahan? National reporters confirmed the Colts signed Philip Rivers, who last played for the Colts in 2020. Shanahan contemplated signing Rivers in 2023 amid injuries on his roster.
Now, fast forward a couple of seasons, and the Niners may face Rivers in a pivotal December matchup with both teams vying for playoff position. Rivers will sign with the practice squad. Outside of Leonard, the only other option for the Colts at quarterback is Brett Rypien.
So the 49ers will go against either an untested rookie or a quarterback who hasn’t played since the 49ers had players like Richie James and Jason Verrett on the roster.
