Indianapolis, January 1, 2026
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard is set to make his first NFL start in the Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans. After the team’s playoff hopes faded, this game provides a crucial opportunity for Leonard to showcase his skills. The Colts have faced significant quarterback challenges this season, making Leonard’s performance vital as they assess their future quarterback strategy. The community is rallying behind Leonard as he steps into this high-pressure situation against a playoff-contending opponent.
Indianapolis, Indiana – In a significant and eagerly anticipated moment for the Indianapolis Colts, rookie quarterback Riley Leonard is poised to make his first NFL start in the upcoming Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans on January 4, 2026. This decision comes after the Colts have officially been eliminated from the playoff race, paving the way for Leonard to step into the spotlight. Following the short-lived return of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who briefly came out of retirement, the Colts are now focusing on their future.
Leonard, 23, has been demonstrating his potential since being drafted by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, following an impressive collegiate career at both Duke University and Notre Dame. His experience this season includes appearances in four games, where he has completed 18 of 33 passes for 145 yards, along with two interceptions and a rushing touchdown. His upcoming debut will serve as a crucial evaluation of his ability to lead the team moving forward.
### Colts’ Quarterback Turmoil
The Colts have experienced a tumultuous quarterback landscape this season, primarily due to an unfortunate series of events. Quarterback Daniel Jones sustained a season-ending Achilles injury in early December, which prompted the Colts to sign the 44-year-old Rivers, further adding to the team’s quarterback unpredictability. Unfortunately, Rivers started three games and the team failed to secure a win, resulting in their playoff elimination.
### Looking Ahead with Riley Leonard
With the season effectively over, head coach Shane Steichen has opted to give Riley Leonard the chance to start against the Texans. This decision is framed as an opportunity for Leonard to showcase his talents in what will undoubtedly be a high-pressure situation. The Texans are still vying for playoff positioning, providing Leonard with a formidable challenge right out of the gate. The coaching staff is eager to assess how Leonard can handle pressure and operate within the offensive framework, which will be vital in determining the Colts’ quarterback strategy for the 2026 season.
### The Impact of Veteran Leadership
The brief return of Rivers to the field has been more than just a stopgap measure; it offered valuable mentorship for young players like Leonard. While Rivers didn’t achieve the desired results in terms of wins, his experience can be instrumental in helping the younger quarterbacks develop their skills and understanding of the game. As Leonard transitions to his starting role, he will undoubtedly benefit from having been part of a system with a seasoned quarterback, as he learns the intricacies of NFL play.
### Future Prospects for the Colts
Riley Leonard’s performance against the Texans will be scrutinized closely, as it may have long-term implications for how the Colts approach their quarterback needs moving forward. The game will not only exhibit Leonard’s skills but will also inform the team’s decision-making as they embark on the 2026 season with a potentially evolving roster.
The Colts will benefit from utilizing this opportunity to assess young talent for next season and beyond, helping to foster a culture of growth and resilience within the team. As the Colts focus on rebuilding and developing their future, Leonard’s contributions could serve as the foundation upon which they will cultivate their next generation of talent.
### Community Support and Team Resilience
Local support for the Colts remains steadfast, and as Riley Leonard prepares for his first NFL start, the community is eager to see how this young quarterback can galvanize the team during a difficult season. The Colts’ fans have shown resilience, echoing the same spirit of determination that drives local entrepreneurs and businesses to innovate and thrive despite challenges.
In the end, the Colts’ decision to start Leonard speaks volumes about the team’s focus on growth, fostering new talent, and standing resilient in the face of adversity. As the Indianapolis community rallies behind its team, the narrative of Leonard’s debut will be a testament to perseverance and opportunity in professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Riley Leonard is a 23-year-old quarterback drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He played college football at Duke University and Notre Dame before entering the NFL.
Leonard is starting in the Colts’ Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans to evaluate his potential for the future, following the team’s elimination from playoff contention and the conclusion of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers’ brief return from retirement.
The Colts have experienced a tumultuous quarterback situation, with Daniel Jones suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in early December, leading to the signing of 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement. Rivers started three games, but the team lost all three, resulting in their official elimination from the playoffs.
The Colts are evaluating their quarterback options for the 2026 season, with Riley Leonard’s performance in the final game potentially influencing the team’s strategy moving forward.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Riley Leonard |
| Age | 23 |
| College | Duke University and Notre Dame |
| Drafted | Sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft |
| Colts’ Record | Eliminated from playoff contention |
| Veteran Quarterback | Philip Rivers (44 years old) |
| Rivers’ Record | 0-3 in three starts |
| Leonard’s Stats | 18 completions on 33 attempts, 145 yards, 2 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown |
| Upcoming Game | Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans on January 4, 2026 |
Now Happening on X
- @RickFOP86 (December 29, 2025, 9:15 AM) Indianapolis police swiftly apprehended a suspect following the homicide of a female victim on the southeast side, highlighting strong cooperation from witnesses in the investigation. View on X
- @WTHRcom (December 29, 2025, 9:12 AM) Severe storms caused a building collapse near State Road 59 and State Road 54 in Linton, with photos documenting the damage as weather updates continue for the region. View on X
- @OfficialYallbot (December 29, 2025, 7:29 PM) An urgent alert warns of dangerous storms moving toward the Indianapolis metro area at 60 mph, with 60 mph winds and potential for brief tornadoes threatening areas like Pike High School and IU Health North. View on X
- @indystar (December 29, 2025, 8:45 AM) The National Weather Service issues warnings for dangerous cold air and investigates reports of a potential tornado amid recent severe weather in Indianapolis. View on X
- @WTHRcom (December 26, 2025, 5:50 AM) One person is dead and another in critical condition after a shooting on Indy’s east side, where officers responded to gunfire during an unrelated call and detained an armed suspect following a vehicle pursuit. View on X
- @GreenfieldIN_PD (December 29, 2025, 7:54 PM) A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for southern Madison County, affecting areas near Indianapolis, as storms bring risks of damaging winds and other hazards. View on X
- @tspearstv (December 28, 2025, 6:46 PM) Falling temperatures increase the risk of a flash freeze in Indianapolis tonight, prompting the Department of Public Works to treat roads to ensure public safety. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Colts Face Quarterback Crisis After Injury
Colts Quarterback Daniel Jones Out for Season with Injury
Colts Face Quarterback Challenge After Injury
Daniel Jones Suffers Season-Ending Injury in Colts’ Loss
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.
