According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts (8-7), having already been eliminated from the playoffs, could start rookie quarterback Riley Leonard in place of longtime veteran Philip Rivers next weekend on the road against the Houston Texans:
Obviously, this makes a great deal of sense for the regular season finale. This will presumably be it for the 44-year-old Rivers, who isn’t expected to try to continue his shocking unretirement tour any further past this late season’s end. It also means that the Colts don’t consider primary backup Anthony Richardson, who still needs to be activated off of injured reserve and is recovering from a fractured orbital bone, actually available for Week 18.
Originally a 6th round pick of Indianapolis this year out of Notre Dame, Leonard had been serving as the QB2 of the Colts since Richardson’s freak injury during Week 6’s pregame warm-ups, when a medical band snapped.
Leonard made his career debut against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, attempting two pass attempts in late game victory mop-up duty, before later coming in relief of starter Daniel Jones as QB1, after the latter tore his Achilles on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.
During that game, Leonard completed 18 of 29 pass attempt for 145 total passing yards, an interception, and a rushing touchdown. He would injure his knee during that game, but he was available in Week 15 off the bench on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, if needed, behind Rivers, who had been recently re-signed to the Colts.
He has been serving as the QB2 again, only behind Rivers down the season’s final stretch, ever since.
Leonard is a dual-threat option at quarterback, who obviously would provide a much different dynamic to the Colts offense than the pure pocket passer that is Rivers. However, it could be valuable experience for the rookie quarterback that he otherwise wouldn’t be able to gain. Rivers could be instrumental for pre-game preparations and along the sidelines as a veteran mentor and soundboard, especially if he has a headset on come game day.
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