Riley Leonard’s Stellar NFL Debut Raises Questions About Colts’ Future at Quarterback

Rookie Quarterback Shines in First Career Start

Riley Leonard made the most of his first start with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon, as the former Notre Dame star went off in the Colts’ 38-30 loss to the Houston Texans. Leonard completed 21 of his 34 pass attempts for 270 passing yards and two touchdowns, whilst also adding 21 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.

The significance of Leonard’s performance cannot be understated, particularly given the timing and context of his debut. With the team unable to make the postseason, the Colts turned to their rookie sixth-round draft pick at quarterback to make his first career start against the NFL’s top defence. With the Colts eliminated from playoff contention, the priority shifted from experience to evaluation, as Philip Rivers, who returned at age 44 and started three games, stepped aside for Riley Leonard, a sixth-round rookie out of Notre Dame.

Impressive Opening Performance

Leonard’s first touchdown of the day was spectacular, finding a wide-open Alec Pierce for a 66-yard score just three plays into their opening drive of the game. Leonard found Pierce again in the corner of the end zone just before halftime, which cut the Texans’ lead back to just three points.

Whilst not flawless—he threw an interception early in the fourth quarter and lost a fumble on a sack in the first half—Leonard demonstrated composure and playmaking ability that has given the Colts organisation plenty to consider heading into the offseason.

Implications for the Colts’ Quarterback Future

Leonard’s strong showing has complicated what was already a murky quarterback situation in Indianapolis. Daniel Jones is recovering from a brutal Achilles injury he suffered earlier this season and is set to become a free agent, though there is belief that the Colts are going to try to sign him again.

The performance moved sceptics and gave the team something to think long and hard about this offseason. The Colts’ quarterback situation heading into 2026 remains murky with Daniel Jones a free agent and Anthony Richardson barely playing this season, though Leonard is unlikely to find himself at the top of the depth chart in Week 1.

As the Colts enter the offseason, Riley Leonard’s impressive debut has provided them with an unexpected option at the game’s most crucial position, offering hope that their sixth-round investment may yield dividends in the years to come.