The Indianapolis Colts named Daniel Jones their starting quarterback over Anthony Richardson; however, neither quarterback will be playing in the preseason finale against Cincinnati, Shane Steichen announced.
So that means rookie Riley Leonard and second-year quarterback Jason Bean will be leading the way for the Colts.
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In Steichen’s first two seasons as head coach, he has rostered a third quarterback on the 53-man roster. The assumption this offseason has been that Leonard would fill that role, while Bean would again land on the practice squad.
The preseason snap count totals are further proof that this is the route the Colts are going to go. Leonard has 40 dropbacks over the two games, while Bean has just seven, and didn’t play in the preseason opener.
Heading into Week 3, Leonard has completed 19-of-36 passes with one touchdown while averaging just 4.3 yards per attempt. He has also thrown one interception.
During his 2024 season at Notre Dame, Leonard was an efficient passer and very effective as a ball carrier. What really stood out to the Colts in the pre-draft process was that he played his best football down the stretch in Notre Dame’s biggest games.
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Bean, meanwhile, is 3-of-7 this preseason and nearly orchestrated a game-winning drive against Green Bay.
This preseason and last, Bean has shown an impressive knack for creating a big play, whether that be with his arm or legs.
Along with Jones and Richardson not playing, neither will any of the Colts’ starters.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts preseason: Riley Leonard, Jason Bean at QB vs. Bengals