Riley Leonard to Start Over Philip Rivers vs. Texans, Scouting Report for Colts QB

The Philip Rivers' comeback story appears to be over, as the Indianapolis Colts will turn to Riley Leonard at quarterback for their final game of the season.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Stephen Holder, Leonard is expected to start Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.

A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Leonard will be making his first career start in Week 18. He has appeared in four games off the bench, completing 18 of 33 attempts for 145 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

B/R's NFL scouting department ranked Leonard as the ninth-best quarterback in the 2025 draft class, noting his game features some similarities to former Pro Bowler Ryan Tannehill:

"He is a plus-level and dual-threat athlete. Leonard can climb and navigate the pocket to avoid the pass rush, managing the defense's pressure. If the pass rushers lack discipline and rush outside their lanes, he will escape, keeping his eyes down the field but ultimately taking off for as many yards as allowed. Leonard's athleticism should be weaponized in the red zone by extending the playbook for designed QB runs; like QB power, sweep, draw, and counter. He does well-creating second-reaction passing opportunities with his legs and athleticism."

Leonard's main drawbacks as a prospect were his inconsistent mechanics that led to accuracy issues and poor decision-making under pressure.

The Colts were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday when the Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers.

It's been a stunning fall off for Indianapolis, which was tied for the NFL's best record at 8-2 after Week 10. The Colts have lost six straight games since their Week 11 bye and need a win in Sunday's finale to finish over .500.

Rivers was signed by the Colts on Dec. 10 in the wake of Daniel Jones suffering a torn Achilles in a Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 44-year-old has thrown for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in three starts.

Speaking to reporters after Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, Rivers said he has no regrets about coming back and would support any decision head coach Shane Steichen would make about who starts at quarterback in Week 18.

Leonard will be making his first career start against the Texans on Sunday. Houston can win the AFC South with a victory over the Colts and a Jaguars loss against the Tennessee Titans.