Ryan Clark unloads on idea of Philip Rivers starting for Colts

A sixth-round pick from this year's draft, Leonard replaced Jones in Jacksonville, completing 18 out of 29 passes for 145 yards with one interception and also rushing for the first touchdown of his career.

Leonard came to the team facility on Monday morning with a knee injury, which adds to the uncertainty for Colts coach Shane Steichen as his team prepares to face the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks.

Clark highlighted Leonard’s mobility as an important factor over Rivers, saying, “The one thing that Riley Leonard can do because I watched him do it for 15 games last year is get out of the way.”

Rivers played the 2020 season with the Colts, leading the team to an 11-5 record and into the playoffs, giving the organization some familiarity with the system and personnel. 

A total of 14 players from the 2020 roster are still with the team, including running back Jonathan Taylor and tight end Mo Alie-Cox. In addition, Rivers has been operating the same offense this year coaching his son Gunnar’s high school team, having weekly calls with Steichen regarding plays and film.

However, the physical requirements are a challenge Rivers has never faced in his career. Rivers has never been very athletic during his playing days with San Diego and Indianapolis.

Clark stated that Rivers in and of himself is not to blame for taking the chance.

"I'm not going to retract this statement because it is a bad decision to put him out there," Clark said. "Don't get me wrong, somebody calls me after five years and says you can play, I might go try to give them a play too. Philip ain't wrong. Shane Steichen and the Colts are."

Indianapolis has San Francisco and Jacksonville in Weeks 16 and 17 and then concludes its regular-season schedule with Houston. Needless to say, all remaining games are crucial for the Colts.