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Colts to Start Rookie Riley Leonard Over Philip Rivers in Week 18

Indianapolis is prioritizing a look at its rookie after being knocked out of contention.

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Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after a play during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Overview

  • ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Stephen Holder report that Riley Leonard is expected to start at quarterback against the Texans in the regular-season finale.
  • The sixth-round pick will make his first NFL start after four appearances in relief in which he threw for 145 yards with two interceptions.
  • Philip Rivers, who unretired following Daniel Jones' Achilles tear, started three games and totaled 544 passing yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
  • The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention by Houston's Week 17 win and now sit at 8-8 after a six-game skid, shifting focus to evaluation.
  • Indianapolis signed quarterback Seth Henigan to the practice squad, reinforcing expectations that Rivers will sit, and Rivers said he supports the decision and has no regrets about returning.