The Indianapolis Colts are starting Riley Leonard at quarterback in Week 18. Phillip Rivers weighed in on the decision.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen says Riley Leonard will start at QB against the #Texans.
Seth Henigan would ideally be the backup and then Philip Rivers would be the emergency QB.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 31, 2025
Phillip Rivers won’t be starting for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 against the Houston Texans.
Head coach Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday that it will be Riley Leonard who gets the start.
However, from the sounds of it, the ideal plan is that Rivers isn’t even the backup on Sunday. That could instead go to undrafted rookie Seth Henigan, who was signed to the practice squad earlier this week.
In that scenario, Rivers will be the Colts‘ third emergency quarterback.
If Henigan is unable to get up to speed with the offense quickly enough this week, however, then Rivers will be the backup.
“I think it just made the most sense,” Rivers said, via Colts.com. “It’s kind of a loaded question because wanting to play was part of the reason I was back. But it’s also the opportunity with a chance to hopefully help us get in the postseason.”
Anthony Richardson will remain on injured reserve.
After nearly five years in retirement, the Colts brought Rivers in to help them make one last playoff push without Daniel Jones.
Rivers brought stability to the position, completing 63% of his passes for 544 yards with four touchdowns to three interceptions. He routinely put the offense into favorable looks pre-snap and helped the offense sustain drives.
With that said, the offense was limited as well in many ways, leaving the margin for error for this Colts team quite small.
The Colts are 8-8 on the season, having lost six games in a row. They were eliminated from playoff contention last week.
Leonard starting will provide him with valuable in-game reps and the opportunity for the Colts to get an extended look at the rookie quarterback.
“It just made the most sense for all involved to get Riley in there and let him get some work,” Rivers added. “He’s been preparing and working all year. He’s got a shot to go out there and we’re all pulling for him.”