Indianapolis, IN, December 29, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have chosen rookie quarterback Riley Leonard to start in their season finale against the Houston Texans after being eliminated from playoff contention. Leonard’s promotion comes after the Colts faced injuries to both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, forcing veteran Philip Rivers to step in temporarily. Starting Leonard highlights the Colts’ commitment to developing young talent as they look ahead to the future.
Indianapolis, IN – Colts to Start Riley Leonard in Season Finale Against Texans
The Indianapolis Colts have made a notable decision regarding their starting quarterback for the season finale against the Houston Texans. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will take the helm following the Colts’ elimination from postseason contention due to a loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025. Leonard steps in to replace veteran Philip Rivers, who had been filling the role since starter Daniel Jones suffered an injury.
This strategic pivot towards a younger player like Leonard symbolizes a confidence in the team’s future outlook. As Indianapolis approaches the offseason, the decision to start Leonard appears to underscore the Colts’ commitment to nurturing new talent amid the challenges of a tough season.
Colts’ Recent Performance
In their last match, the Colts faced off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where they ended up on the losing side with a final score of 23-17. This defeat sealed the Colts’ fate, officially eliminating them from playoff contention.
Background on Quarterback Changes
The Colts have navigated a tumultuous season marked by significant injuries at the quarterback position. Daniel Jones, the starter, was lost for the year due to an Achilles tear in Week 14. Meanwhile, backup quarterback Anthony Richardson is on injured reserve with an orbital fracture. To address this quarterback crisis, the Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad on December 9, 2025. Having retired back in 2021, Rivers returned to the field to help stabilize the lineup during this challenging period.
Rivers made his comeback on December 14, 2025, against the Seattle Seahawks. In that game, he showcased his experience with 18 completions on 27 attempts, totaling 120 yards and one touchdown. Despite a commendable effort, the Colts fell short, losing narrowly by a score of 16-15.
Now, with their postseason hopes extinguished, the Colts are taking the opportunity to evaluate Leonard in a starting role—an essential step towards the team’s long-term development and future success.
Looking Ahead
Starting Riley Leonard not only gives the rookie a chance to gain invaluable experience but also signals a broader strategy focused on building a strong foundation with emerging talent. As the Colts prepare for the upcoming offseason, Leonard’s performance in this final game will be a critical part of assessing the team’s trajectory and making informed decisions to enhance overall competitiveness.
FAQ
Why is Riley Leonard starting in the Colts’ season finale?
The Indianapolis Colts have announced that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will start in the team’s season finale against the Houston Texans. This decision comes after the Colts were officially eliminated from postseason contention following a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025. Leonard is expected to replace veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who had been starting in place of the injured Daniel Jones.
What was the outcome of the Colts’ recent game against the Jaguars?
In their most recent game, the Colts faced the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025. The game concluded with a final score of 23-17 in favor of the Jaguars.
Why did the Colts sign Philip Rivers to their practice squad?
Earlier in the season, the Colts experienced significant quarterback injuries. Starter Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14. Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve due to an orbital fracture. In response, the Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad on December 9, 2025. Rivers, who retired in 2021, returned to the NFL to assist the team during this challenging period.
What was Philip Rivers’ performance in his return to the NFL?
Rivers made his return to the field on December 14, 2025, starting against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite a valiant effort, the Colts narrowly lost 16-15, with Rivers completing 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown.
What is the Colts’ strategy moving forward after being eliminated from the playoffs?
With the Colts now out of playoff contention, the team has decided to give Leonard, a rookie quarterback, the opportunity to start in the final game of the season. This move aims to provide Leonard with valuable experience as the team looks ahead to the future.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Change | Riley Leonard to start in season finale against Texans, replacing Philip Rivers. |
| Recent Game Outcome | Colts lost to Jaguars 23-17 on December 28, 2025. |
| Injury Updates | Daniel Jones out for season with Achilles tear; Anthony Richardson on IR with orbital fracture. |
| Philip Rivers’ Return | Signed to practice squad on December 9, 2025; started against Seahawks on December 14, 2025. |
| Team Strategy | Focus on developing young talent, starting with Leonard in final game. |
Now Happening on X
- @OfficialYallbot (December 28, 2025, 7:29 PM) Alert for dangerous storms moving northeast at 60 mph through the Indianapolis metro area, with potential 60 mph winds and brief tornado risks affecting areas like Pike High School, IU Health North, Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville—residents urged to take shelter immediately. View on X
- @WTHRcom (December 26, 2025, 5:50 AM) One person dead and another in critical condition after officers encountered a fight turning into gunfire on Indy’s east side, with an armed suspect detained following a vehicle pursuit. View on X
- @ashtonhackmantv (December 26, 2025, 7:45 AM) A fatal shooting on Indy’s east side left one dead, one in critical condition, and another recovering, stemming from an incident around 2 a.m. on Friday near Rural Street and East Michigan Street. View on X
- @FOX59 (December 23, 2025, 12:40 PM) IMPD searching for a suspect after a fatal shooting reported on the southwest side of Indianapolis Tuesday afternoon. View on X
- @WTHRcom (December 22, 2025, 9:19 AM) Multiple shootings reported in just over an hour on Indy’s south and east sides, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns. View on X
- @charlesharriso5 (December 26, 2025, 6:00 AM) A violent night in Indianapolis resulted in one person shot and killed, with two others injured in separate shootings, prompting community concerns over rising violence. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Philip Rivers Returns to Colts as Practice Squad Quarterback
Colts’ Quarterback Decisions: Luck Confirms No Contact
Colts Shift Quarterback Strategy Amid Injury Concerns
Colts’ Week 15 Game Sees Record Local Viewership
Indianapolis Colts Bolster Roster Amidst Injury Challenges
Anthony Richardson’s Injury Recovery Update
Philip Rivers’ NFL Comeback with the Colts
Colts’ Mock Draft Highlights Romello Height as Key Target
Colts Sign Philip Rivers Amid Quarterback Crisis
Philip Rivers Joins Indianapolis Colts Practice Squad
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
