Colts starting Riley Leonard at QB over Philip Rivers for Week 18 finale vs. Texans

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2026-01-01

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The Colts are going with youth to end the season after trying three games with elder statesman Philip Rivers.

Indianapolis plans to start sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard in the team’s Week 18 regular-season finale against the Texans, head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday.

After being eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday of Week 17 and with Anthony Richardson still working his way back from an orbital fracture, it makes sense to see what Leonard has to offer going forward. Rookie Seth Henigan, who was signed to the practice squad on Monday, has a “good chance” to be the backup, Steichen added.

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The Notre Dame product has appeared in four games this season, but only had extended action in Week 14 against the Jaguars, following Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles injury.

Leonard stepped in for Jones with that game in progress and displayed a strong arm, though he produced middling results with 145 yards and an interception on 18-of-29 passing in the 36-19 loss. Leonard also took part in the final play of a Week 17 loss to the Jags, essentially as a pinch thrower on a Hail Mary from midfield, but the prayer was intercepted.

Jones’ injury is what kickstarted one of the most fascinating NFL storylines in recent memory.

Rather than thrusting Leonard into the spotlight down the stretch with an opportunity to prove himself and halt the Colts’ spiral from a 7-1 start to an 8-5 record at that point, the Colts instead opted for the 44-year-old Rivers, who had retired following the 2020 campaign and was one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Rivers took the opportunity, extending his Hall of Fame window another five years, in order to attempt an incredible rescue.

He gave it his darndest and looked capable depending on guile rather than arm strength. He threw for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions, but ultimately went 0-3, unable to change the Colts’ fate. Despite the effort being in vain, he said he has no regrets.

Now the Colts turn back to Leonard in what will certainly be a test.

In his first career start, he’ll travel to face a terrifying Houston defense that ranks first in yards and points allowed.

He and the Colts square off against the Texans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.