Colts' Anthony Richardson: Not expected back for finale

The Colts aren't expected to activate Richardson (eye) from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's season finale versus the Texans, Stephen Holder and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com report.

Richardson was cleared to resume practicing Dec. 18, but he has yet to regain full vision in his right eye after fracturing an orbital bone Oct. 12. The third-year quarterback should continue to practice in limited fashion, but the Colts plan to have Riley Leonard make his first NFL start in Week 18, while Philip Rivers will serve as the No. 2 signal-caller. Richardson will close the season having made just two brief appearances at the tail end of blowout wins in Weeks 3 and 5, and Indianapolis will most likely decline the pricey fifth-year option on his rookie contract this offseason. The 23-year-old could still be a candidate to open 2026 as the team's starter with Daniel Jones (Achilles) headed for free agency and at risk of missing time to begin the campaign even if Indianapolis re-signs him.