Leonard will replace Philip Rivers, who started the Colts’ last three games after Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles’ injury.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts will start Riley Leonard as their quarterback for their season finale game against the Houston Texans, according to a news release from the Colts citing head coach Shane Steichen.
Leonard will replace Philip Rivers, who started the Colts’ last three games after Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles’ injury.
Leonard was backup, but he injured his right knee during the Colts’ Week 14 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Leonard made his NFL debut during the Colts’ Week 8 win against the Tennessee Titans.
Jones was injured in the first half of Sunday’s 36-19 loss in rainy Jacksonville. He crumpled to the ground, reaching toward his calf despite not being hit on the play. Jones then slammed his helmet into the ground before limping off the field and into the locker room. He returned to the sideline in the second half with a walking boot protecting his lower right leg.
The release said the Colts won’t activate quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. from injured reserve for Sunday’s game, even though he’s been practicing.
Richardson is still dealing with “vision limitations” from when he injured himself during pre-game warm-ups in Week 6, the release said.
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