Indianapolis, IN, December 10, 2025
In Week 15 of the NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts signed retired quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad after injuries to their QBs. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots, under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, aim to clinch the AFC East title with a win over the Bills. Other highlights include DK Metcalf’s expected play despite a health scare, Ravens’ Ben Cleveland’s suspension, and the NFL’s new playing surface standards set for 2028. The Eagles will miss Jalen Carter due to a shoulder procedure as they prepare for the playoffs.
Indianapolis, IN – NFL Week 15 Updates
Indianapolis Colts Sign Retired Quarterback Philip Rivers Amidst Injuries
The Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old retired quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad following season-ending injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones (torn Achilles) and backup Riley Leonard (knee injury) during a recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, has been coaching high school football in Alabama. His return aims to stabilize the Colts’ offense as they face a challenging final stretch of the season. The team hopes this unexpected move will reignite their playoff push.
New England Patriots Poised to Clinch AFC East Title
Entering Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, the New England Patriots, led by first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, are on the verge of clinching the AFC East title for the first time since 2021. With an 11-2 record, a win over the Buffalo Bills (9-4) would secure the division. Even with a loss or tie, other scenarios could still allow the Patriots to clinch a playoff spot. New England is also in contention for the AFC’s top seed alongside the Denver Broncos, who also stand at 11-2 and could clinch a playoff berth with a win or certain combinations of outcomes.
Steelers’ DK Metcalf Expected to Play Despite Recent Health Scare
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is expected to play in the Week 15 Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins despite a recent health scare. Metcalf experienced worsening stomach pain after a hit to the abdomen during the team’s 27-22 win over the Ravens. He was evaluated at a hospital in Baltimore and stayed overnight before rejoining the team in Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed confidence in Metcalf’s availability for the game, though it may affect his participation in early-week practices. Metcalf, in his first season with the Steelers, had a season-high 148 receiving yards in the Ravens game and has totaled 52 receptions for 753 yards and six touchdowns in 2025.
Ravens’ Ben Cleveland Suspended for Substance Abuse Violation
Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland has been suspended for three games without pay due to a violation of the NFL’s substances of abuse policy. The suspension will sideline Cleveland for the team’s contests against the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers in Weeks 15 through 17. He will be eligible to return for the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 27 years old, Cleveland has played in 10 games this season, mainly contributing on special teams, with limited offensive snaps. A backup guard, he was originally drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has played in 64 games over five seasons, with seven starts.
NFL Mandates Enhanced Playing Surface Standards by 2028
The NFL has announced that by the 2028 season, all stadiums must meet new enhanced playing surface standards aimed at improving player safety. These standards, developed and verified through extensive lab and field testing, will apply to grass, synthetic, and hybrid fields. Each team will receive an approved list of compliant fields, and any new surfaces installed must meet these criteria. Teams will have two years to ensure compliance. Tools like the BEAST (for traction) and STRIKE Impact Tester (for firmness) are being used for testing. The initiative, developed with the NFLPA, targets consistency in field quality, optimized playability, reduced injury risk, and integration of player feedback.
Eagles’ Jalen Carter Out After Shoulder Procedure
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will miss Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a recent shoulder procedure. The 24-year-old Carter is listed as week-to-week but opted for the procedure now to recover in time for the Eagles’ playoff run. In the recent 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears, Carter played 70.1% of defensive snaps, contributing four tackles and one sack. So far this season, he’s recorded 32 tackles and two sacks in 10 starts. A Pro Bowl selection in 2024, Carter has amassed 107 tackles and 12.5 sacks in his 42-game career since being drafted ninth overall in 2023 out of Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Indianapolis Colts sign Philip Rivers?
The Indianapolis Colts signed 44-year-old retired quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad following season-ending injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones (torn Achilles) and backup Riley Leonard (knee injury) during a recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rivers’ return aims to stabilize the Colts’ offense as they face a challenging final stretch of the season.
What is the significance of the New England Patriots’ upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills?
Entering Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, the New England Patriots, led by first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, are on the verge of clinching the AFC East title for the first time since 2021. With an 11-2 record, a win over the Buffalo Bills (9-4) would secure the division. Even with a loss or tie, other scenarios could still allow the Patriots to clinch a playoff spot. New England is also in contention for the AFC’s top seed alongside the Denver Broncos, who also stand at 11-2 and could clinch a playoff berth with a win or certain combinations of outcomes.
Is Steelers’ DK Metcalf playing in the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins?
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is expected to play in the Week 15 Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins despite a recent health scare. Metcalf experienced worsening stomach pain after a hit to the abdomen during the team’s 27-22 win over the Ravens. He was evaluated at a hospital in Baltimore and stayed overnight before rejoining the team in Pittsburgh.
What is the NFL’s new mandate regarding playing surfaces?
The NFL has announced that by the 2028 season, all stadiums must meet new enhanced playing surface standards aimed at improving player safety. These standards, developed and verified through extensive lab and field testing, will apply to grass, synthetic, and hybrid fields. Each team will receive an approved list of compliant fields, and any new surfaces installed must meet these criteria. Teams will have two years to ensure compliance.
Why is Eagles’ Jalen Carter out for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers?
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will miss Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a recent shoulder procedure. The 24-year-old Carter is listed as week-to-week but opted for the procedure now to recover in time for the Eagles’ playoff run.
Key Features of This Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts Sign Philip Rivers | The Colts signed retired quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad after injuries to their quarterbacks. |
| New England Patriots Poised to Clinch AFC East Title | The Patriots aim to secure the AFC East title with a win over the Bills. |
| Steelers’ DK Metcalf Expected to Play | DK Metcalf is likely to participate in the upcoming Monday night game. |
| Ravens’ Ben Cleveland Suspended | Ben Cleveland will miss three games due to a substance abuse violation. |
| NFL Mandates Enhanced Playing Surface Standards | New regulations for playing surfaces to be implemented by the 2028 season. |
| Eagles’ Jalen Carter Out After Procedure | Jalen Carter is out for the Chargers game after a shoulder procedure. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Colts Sign Philip Rivers as Injuries Mount in NFL Week 15
Daniel Jones to Start Against Commanders Amid Trade Rumors
Colts Face Tough Transition After Daniel Jones’s Injury
Historic High School Football Championship Kicks Off in Baltimore
Inaugural Overtime Nationals High School Football Championship Set to Kick Off
Inaugural Overtime Nationals High School Football Championship Set in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Impact on NFL Landscape: A Deep Dive
Ravens’ Defense Struggles in Loss to Steelers
Steuart Pittman’s Vision for Anne Arundel County’s Future
Baltimore Ravens’ Defense Struggles in Loss to Steelers
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
