Rookie QB Riley Leonard's performance against Texans should leave Colts with one big question

Remember, the Texans (12-5) feature one of the top defenses in the NFL. Entering Week 18, Houston ranked No. 1 in the league in points allowed (16.6). Though the team has already clinched a playoff spot, it played most of its starters in the first half. Again, why didn't Leonard play earlier? 

Why didn't Colts play Riley Leonard earlier? 

Leonard suffered a knee injury in a 36-19 Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it wasn't considered serious. The Colts still started Rivers, who hadn't played since the 2020 season.  

The Colts were clearly desperate after starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) and backup QB Anthony Richardson (eye) suffered injuries that ended their seasons. Plus, Colts head coach Shane Steichen had previously coached Rivers when he was the Chargers QBs coach from 2016-19, so he trusted the veteran QB more than the rookie.

But after Rivers lost his first two starts, the Colts should've considered playing Leonard. Even the eight-time Pro Bowler likes what he has seen from the former Notre Dame star.

"He's going to be a double-digit guy in the NFL," Rivers said of Leonard before Week 18. "To what extent that is, who knows? Is he a starter? He's one of those guys that's talented enough throwing it, and he's obviously athletic enough to run around, and he's going to work at it because he cares enough about it that he's going to be around somewhere for a long time."

The Colts may re-sign Jones, who enters free agency this offseason. However, he could be recovering from his Achilles injury at the start of the 2026 season.

With that in mind, they may need a competent backup to start the season. 2023 first-round pick Richardson hasn't proved he can do that after posting a below-average 67.8 passer rating in three seasons. 

Whether Leonard can serve as a temporary starter remains to be seen. The Colts (8-9) playing him more this season would've given them a better idea of whether he can.