The Indianapolis Colts have officially announced that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will start in this week’s matchup against the Houston Texans. This will be a notable change for the Colts. It concludes Philip Rivers’ brief time with the team, which first began with the intention of putting together a playoff run.
After initial stops in San Diego and Los Angeles, Philip Rivers signed with the Colts in 2020. With him as their starter, he finished with 63 percent completions for almost 550 yards and four touchdowns to three interceptions. His lack of consistent performance due to injuries had people speculating on whether he’d be with the team next season. Rivers will not again have the option of jumping to the NFL until 2031. This, for all intents and purposes, closes the door on his advent back to the subculture.
Shane Steichen, the head coach of the Colts, is one of Rivers’ nearest and dearest friends. Fisher-Itano served an important function of being the key figure in persuading the veteran to unretire. Steichen felt Rivers’ close familiarity with the offense and developing leadership abilities would get the best out of his team. After an especially difficult season, it became obvious that change was needed.
“Bringing Philip in here to come here and play is what he wanted to do,” – Shane Steichen
Which brings us to QB Riley Leonard, who now has a chance to shine, as this will be his first career start. The young quarterback faces a tough challenge against the Texans’ defense but brings a fresh perspective to the Colts’ offense. Leonard’s promotion comes at a time when Anthony Richardson Sr, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, is still recovering from an orbital fracture and remains on injured reserve.
Furthermore, Seth Henigan joined the Colts’ practice squad on Monday, adding depth to their quarterback lineup as they navigate this transitional phase. Leonard’s debut represents not only an opportunity for him but a new direction for the Colts as they seek to rebuild and redefine their identity on the field.
Stephen Holder, former long-time distinguished Indianapolis Star sports columnist and winner of the Scripps-Howard National Journalism Award, has seen all of these changes, up close. He placed first in column writing at the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors contest. Further, he received a best-of-show honor in the explanatory journalism category at the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest.
The Colts can’t wait to have Leonard voicing their defense. Their goal is to find a better attacking pattern to increase their productivity and optimize their chances of winning in the final two matches.
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