Colts' Riley Leonard: In line to start season finale

The Colts plan to have Leonard start at quarterback in Sunday's season finale at Houston, Stephen Holder and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com report.

With the Colts getting eliminated from playoff contention last weekend, 44-year-old Philip Rivers will head to the bench as head coach Shane Steichen turns the offense over to Leonard. A rookie sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, Leonard has made four appearances this season, with his lone extended action coming in Week 14 at Jacksonville after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Leonard has completed 18 of 33 pass attempts for 145 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions this season while adding six yards and a score on three carries. Though he likely isn't seen as the Colts' long-term answer at quarterback, a strong showing in Week 18 could strengthen his case for sticking around as a backup option in 2026.