Colts QB Depth Chart: HC Shane Steichen Turns to Riley Leonard After Failed Philip Rivers Experiment

With the Indianapolis Colts eliminated from the playoffs, they will turn to rookie quarterback Riley Leonard this Sunday in its Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans. Sources told ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler the Colts’ decision on Tuesday morning.

The Colts are expected to start rookie Riley Leonard on Sunday against the Texans, sources told @HolderStephen and me.

After three games with Philip Rivers and the Colts falling out of the playoffs, Indy will get a look at the rookie. pic.twitter.com/vuBP9Y7YUO

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 30, 2025

Veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers has been the starting quarterback the last three games for the Colts. While he has played well, especially for a 44-year-old who hasn’t played in the NFL in five seasons, the Colts lost all three games and were eliminated from the playoffs in the process.

With Indy going with Leonard, it will give them a chance to evaluate young talent at the quarterback position, as they will need to figure out what they’re going to do at quarterback next season.

Will the Colts Re-Sign Quarterback Daniel Jones?

Everything looked to be going so smoothly for the Indianapolis Colts this season, until quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending on Dec. 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Prior to this, the Colts entered the game with an 8-4 record and with Jones playing the best football of his career.

Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts this past offseason. He beat out former first-round pick Anthony Richardson for the Colts’ starting QB job. He played well, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions while completing 68% of his passes. He also had five rushing touchdowns.

Following Jones’ injury, the Colts collapsed, going 0-3 in the next three games and losing that game to Jacksonville.

Before the injury, it looked as if the Colts found its franchise quarterback. Now, after Jones; Achilles tear, the team may look to explore other options at quarterback for next season. Jones could also come back on another one year ‘prove it’ deal. Time will tell.

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