Riley Leonard completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 18 against the Texans.

Produces three TDs in first start

Leonard completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in Sunday's 38-30 loss to the Texans. He added 21 rushing yards and a TD on three carries but lost two fumbles.

Analysis: Despite the turnovers, it was a surprisingly productive performance from the sixth-round rookie in his first career NFL start against an elite Houston defense that still had something to play for when the game began. Both of Leonard's passing TDs went to Alec Pierce, and the QB's one-yard rushing score in the third quarter briefly gave Indy a 24-23 lead. The Colts' quarterback situation heading into 2026 remains murky with Daniel Jones (Achilles) a free agent and Anthony Richardson (eye) barely…read more

Week 18 start confirmed

Coach Shane Steichen confirmed Wednesday that Leonard will start Sunday's season finale against the Texans, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.

Analysis: Additionally, Steichen noted that the Colts won't activate Anthony Richardson (orbital) from injured reserve this week. Veteran signal-caller Philip Rivers' three-week stint as the team's starter thus concludes, with practice squad member Seth Henigan a candidate to be elevated ahead of Week 18 action in order to back Leonard up. Leonard represents a fantasy lineup option for those scrambling for QB help this weekend, given that teams such as the Chargers (who plan to rest Justin Herbert) may…read more

In line to start season finale

The Colts plan to have Leonard start at quarterback in Sunday's season finale at Houston, Stephen Holder and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com report.

Analysis: With the Colts getting eliminated from playoff contention last weekend, 44-year-old Philip Rivers will head to the bench as head coach Shane Steichen turns the offense over to Leonard. A rookie sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, Leonard has made four appearances this season, with his lone extended action coming in Week 14 at Jacksonville after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Leonard has completed 18 of 33 pass attempts for 145 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions…read more

Could be option to start Week 18

Leonard could be an option to start the Colts' regular-season finale next Sunday against the Texans, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.

Analysis: Coach Shane Steichen said he'll make a decision on the Week 18 starter Tuesday. Indianapolis was officially eliminated from playoff contention Saturday when the Texans defeated the Chargers, but after Philip Rivers went through practice all week as the starter, the 44-year-old veteran got the nod for Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Jaguars. With Indy having blown a 7-1 start to the season and now sitting at home for the postseason, the team may use Week 18 to get a look at Leonard, a sixth-round…read more

Remaining backup in Week 17

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that Leonard will remain in a backup role Sunday against the Jaguars while Philip Rivers makes a third straight start at quarterback, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The Colts will be eliminated from playoff contention if the Texans beat the Chargers on Saturday, but Steichen confirmed that Rivers will continue to direct the offense regardless of the outcome of that contest. More specifically, Steichen said that it wouldn't be "fair" to ask rookie Leonard to start on 24 hours' notice if Rivers takes first-team reps throughout the week, which he has been doing since signing with the Colts in Week 15. Though the Colts have suffered losses to the playoff-bound…read more

Headed for backup role Week 15

Leonard is expected to serve as the Colts' backup quarterback in Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Leonard appeared poised to take on starting duties for the rest of the season after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon during the Colts' Week 14 loss to the Jaguars. However, Indianapolis opted to sign Philip Rivers on Wednesday, and after he and Leonard split first-team reps during Week 15 prep, the Colts are leaning toward having the 44-year-old veteran make his first NFL start since the 2020 season. How Rivers plays Sunday will likely determine whether he remains at the helm for the Colts…read more

No injury designation, starter TBD

Leonard (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Seahawks after practicing fully this week.

Analysis: While Leonard is healthy enough to be available this weekend, the Colts have yet to reveal their Week 15 starting QB plans, with veteran newcomer Philip Rivers also a candidate to get the nod, per JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site. On that subject, coach Shane Steichen noted Friday afternoon, "We're going to work through that right now. We literally just got off the practice field, but (Rivers) had a good week of work, and we'll have those discussions here in the next couple hours." In…read more

Full practice, Week 15 starter TBD

Leonard (knee) was listed as a full practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Per JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site, Leonard -- who replaced an injured Daniel Jones (Achilles) in this past Sunday's loss to the Jaguars -- emerged from the game with a Grade 1 PCL sprain. However, his full participation in Wednesday's practice session puts him in position to be available Sunday against the Seahawks. With Jones out for the rest of the season and Anthony Richardson (orbital) still on injured reserve, Brett Rypien was signed to the team's active roster, and 44-year-old…read more

In line to practice Wednesday

Leonard (knee) will practice Wednesday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: With Daniel Jones out for the season due to an Achilles' injury and Anthony Richardson (orbital) still on IR, Leonard is candidate to start Sunday's game against the Seahawks. However, now that he's dealing with a knee injury the QB's status will need to be monitored closely. Leonard's looming practice participation is a positive sign, but at this stage coach Shane Steichen has yet to reveal the Colts' Week 15 QB plans. Also in the mix on that front are Brett Rypien, who was signed to the…read more

Dealing with PCL sprain

Leonard was diagnosed with a Grade 1 PCL sprain of his right knee following Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Jaguars, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: After Daniel Jones sustained a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon late in the first quarter of Sunday's contest, Leonard stepped in for the remainder of the game. Though the rookie didn't miss a snap after taking over the offense, he emerged from the game with a knee issue that threatens his availability for a Week 15 game in Seattle. The Colts plan to have Leonard make his first NFL start this weekend if he's healthy enough to do so, as Anthony Richardson (orbital) has yet to resume…read more

Tending to strained knee

Leonard sustained a strained right knee ligament in Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Jaguars and is considered week-to-week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Pressed into duty after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early in Sunday's contest, Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while adding five yards and a touchdown in his first extended NFL action. Though he's expected to take over as the Colts' starter in place of Jones, Leonard will first have to prove that the knee issue isn't severe enough to keep him sidelined Week 15 against the Seahawks. Even if Leonard is ultimately…read more

Week 15 status uncertain

Coach Shane Steichen noted Monday that "the hope" is Leonard (right knee) will be able to play Sunday against the Seahawks, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: At this stage, Steichen can't say for certain that Leonard will be available this weekend, which means that current practice squad member Brett Rypien may be pressed into duty in Week 15. In any case, it seems likely that the Colts will bring in another QB in short order, with Daniel Jones out for the season with an Achilles' injury and Anthony Richardson (orbital) still on IR.

Dealing with knee injury

Leonard is dealing with a knee injury, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Analysis: Leonard replaced an injured Daniel Jones (Achilles) in Sunday's contest and finished out the game, but it appears he picked up an injury of his own. The extent of the injury is not yet known. With Jones out for the season and Anthony Richardson (orbital) on injured reserve, practice-squad quarterback Brett Rypien is currently the only healthy Colts quarterback option.

Starting opportunity awaits

Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards for no touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Jaguars. He added two rushes for five yards and a rushing touchdown.

Analysis: Leonard entered the game late in the first quarter after Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles injury. It was Leonard's second appearance as a pro, and some inconsistencies followed, as expected. Positively, he used his mobility well to extend plays, on one occasion hitting Alec Pierce on the run for a 24-yard gain. Leonard also scrambled for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to record his first NFL score. On the other hand, he had a pass intercepted and was also sacked for a safety on…read more

Debuts for final two drives

Leonard took the field for the Colts' final two possessions of Sunday's 38-14 win over the Titans, throwing incompletions on two pass attempts and rushing once for one yard.

Analysis: A healthy inactive for the Colts' first five contests, Leonard handled backup quarterback duties for the third game in a row after Anthony Richardson suffered a fractured orbital in a pregame workout prior to the team's Week 6 win over the Cardinals. Though Brett Rypien looms on the practice squad as a potential alternative for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, Leonard looks poised to stick around as Daniel Jones' top backup until Richardson is ready to return from injured reserve. The rookie…read more

Remains No. 2 quarterback

Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Leonard will remain the Colts' No. 2 quarterback "for now," James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The 2025 sixth-round pick from Notre Dame served as Indianapolis' emergency third quarterback for the first five games of the season. However, with Anthony Richardson (orbital) being placed on injured reserve Oct. 13, Leonard stepped in as starter Daniel Jones' top backup in the Week 7 win over the Chargers, and the Colts appear content to stick with Leonard in the No. 2 role for at least another week. Brett Rypien looms on the practice squad as a more experienced option if the Colts elect to…read more

Stepping in as No. 2 quarterback

Leonard appears in line to serve as the top backup to starting quarterback Daniel Jones for a second straight game Sunday against the Chargers after the Colts placed Anthony Richardson (orbital) on injured reserve Monday, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After being inactive for the first five games of the season, Leonard suited up as the Colts' No. 2 quarterback during this past Sunday's 31-27 win over the Cardinals due to Richardson sustaining an orbital fracture in a freak pregame accident. With Richardson's injury now set to keep him out for at least four more games, Leonard is the lone healthy option at quarterback on the 53-man roster beyond Jones, though Indianapolis signed veteran Brett Rypien to its practice squad Wednesday. Rypien…read more

Tabbed as emergency QB for Week 4

Leonard (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams but will serve as the Colts' emergency third-string quarterback.

Analysis: Leonard has been Indy's emergency third-string quarterback for every game so far this season. He will only be eligible to enter the game if both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson are forced out due to injury, illness or ejection.

Serving as emergency QB again

Leonard (coach's decision) is inactive as the Colts' emergency third quarterback Week 3 versus Tennessee.

Analysis: This will be the third straight week to begin that campaign that Leonard serves as Indianapolis' emergency third QB. He's ineligible to enter Sunday's matchup unless both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson are forced out due to injury, illness or ejection.

Emergency QB3 vs. Denver

Leonard (coach's decision) is inactive against the Broncos on Sunday but will serve as the Colts' emergency third-string quarterback.

Analysis: As the emergency third-string quarterback, Leonard will see the field Sunday only if both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson were to leave due to injury, illness or ejection.

Emergency QB for Week 1

Leonard (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Dolphins but will serve as the emergency third-string quarterback.

Analysis: The rookie sixth-rounder will be allowed to see the field only if both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson were removed from Sunday's game due to injury. Leonard had a solid preseason, completing 34 of 56 passes for 345 yards, one touchdown and one interception across three games while adding seven carries for 58 yards.

Sharp in preseason finale

Leonard completed 15 of 20 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions and rushed once for 14 yards in the Colts' 41-14 preseason win over the Bengals on Saturday afternoon.

Analysis: The rookie sixth-round pick drew the start and took full advantage of his extended opportunity, leading an 11-play, 56-yard march that culminated in a field goal to open the contest and eventually spearheading touchdown drives of 83 yards (12 plays) and 77 yards (four plays). Leonard's one scoring toss was a noteworthy one, where he slung a 59-yard dart to Laquon Treadwell with time winding down in the first half. Leonard completed just 50.0 percent of his passes in his preseason debut against…read more

Will play in exhibition finale

Coach Shane Steichen said Leonard and Jason Bean will handle quarterback duties for the Colts in Saturday's preseason finale against the Bengals, Jake Arthur of SI.com reports.

Analysis: Both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson will rest for the exhibition finale, allowing Leonard and Bean to soak up valuable game reps. Leonard was a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame in the 2025 Draft and has completed 19 of 36 passes for 156 scoreless yards and one interception through two preseason contests. He's also rushed six times for 44 yards.

Improves in second preseason game

Leonard was 7-for-12 for 64 yards without a touchdown or interception in Saturday's preseason loss to Green Bay. He also had two carries for 10 yards.

Analysis: Leonard wasn't overly impressive but improved after throwing an ugly interception in his first preseason game. Leonard still appears ahead of Jason Bean for the No. 3 QB role, as Bean played after Leonard in the fourth quarter.