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As the Houston Texans are preparing to wrap up last game of the season, Indianapolis Colts have shifted their focus and made a change to their starting line-up. Head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday that rookie Riley Leonard will start at quarterback for the Week 18 matchup against the Texans.
The move marks a significant transition for Indy, as 44-year-old Philip Rivers moves to the bench after a brief, three-game comeback. With the Colts eliminated from playoff contention and riding a six-game losing streak, the organization has decided to hand the keys to their sixth-round developmental project.
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Leonard, the 189th overall pick out of Notre Dame, has largely spent his rookie year learning from the sidelines. However, the 2025 season has been anything but stable for the Colts' signal-callers:
Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in early December.
Philip Rivers unretired to help the team’s late-season push, but after an 0-3 stretch, the veteran is stepping aside to mentor his fellow Fairhope, Alabama native.
"I think it just made the most sense," Rivers said. "It's kind of a loaded question because wanting to play was part of the reason I was back. But it's also the opportunity with a chance to hopefully help us get in the postseason. So it just made the most sense for all involved to get Riley in there and let him get some work. He's been preparing and working all year. He's got a shot to go out there and we're all pulling for him."
While the start is a dream come true for Leonard, the matchup is a nightmare on paper. He will be squaring off against a Houston defense that currently ranks No. 1 in points allowed per game (16.6) and leads the league in several advanced metrics.
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Leonard’s first appearance ability will be tested by Houston’s relentless pass rush led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. In limited action this season (four appearances), Leonard has completed 54.5% of his passes for 145 yards and two interceptions, while adding one rushing touchdown.
Regardless of who lined up behind the center, Leonard or Rivers, the Texans defense will not let up. The plan for DeMeco Ryans is to elevate the possibility of taking the division.
For the 8-8 Colts, the postseason is out of reach, but the evaluation of Riley Leonard is paramount. With Anthony Richardson’s future "murky" due to recurring injuries and Daniel Jones facing a long rehab, the front office needs to know if Leonard can be more than just a depth piece heading into 2026. Playing against this Texans defense will be Leonard’s true interview.
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Gettin this start is definitely a big deal. "It’s a huge deal," he said. "Sitting back there, you can walk through the plays, but it’s a lot different when you’re the guy in the huddle and you can earn the trust of the guys throughout the week.
If the Texans win and the Jaguars lose to the Titans, the Texans claim the division crown (due to tiebreakers) and host a home playoff game. But, if the Texans win but the Jaguars also win, the Texans finish as a Wild Card team, most likely the #5 seed, and would play on the road in the first round.
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