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Rookie Riley Leonard Shines in First Start as Colts Fall 38-30 to Texans, Finish 8-9

Early reporting points to Daniel Jones returning with Leonard developing behind him.

Overview

  • Leonard went 21-of-34 for 270 yards with two touchdown passes, one interception, two fumbles, and a rushing score against the NFL’s top scoring defense.
  • Indianapolis lost 38-30 in Houston to close the year on a seven-game slide and finish 8-9.
  • The rookie opened with a 66-yard touchdown to Alec Pierce and later hit him for 53 yards as Pierce reached his first 1,000-yard season.
  • The Week 18 start followed a three-game Philip Rivers stint that ended 0-3, with the 44-year-old reiterating he is returning to retirement.
  • Reporting from ESPN-linked outlets indicates the Colts intend to re-sign Daniel Jones, positioning Leonard as a developing backup and putting Anthony Richardson’s role under evaluation.