Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts’ full 90-man roster, previewing each player.
Up next is quarterback Riley Leonard, who wears No. 15.
Profile
Riley Leonard’s tenure with the Colts
The Colts selected Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Recapping Riley Leonard’s 2025 season
Leonard ended up spending the bulk of the season as Daniel Jones’ backup after Anthony Richardson was placed on injured reserve. He played 31 snaps against Jacksonville after Jones’ injury and four total snaps in three other games, taking over late in games.
Then in Week 18 against Houston, Leonard got his first start and he impressed. Leonard completed 21-of-34 passes for 270 yards. He and the passing game were able to generate big plays, averaging 7.9 yards per catch. Leonard threw two touchdowns and rushed for another.
While it wasn’t perfect, with Leonard committing three turnovers, when there was a takeaway or miscue, the rookie quarterback showcased his resiliency and often found ways to bounce back.
Looking ahead to 2026 for Riley Leonard
The Colts remain very bullish on Leonard. His development throughout his rookie year and performance in Week 18 have given the Colts confidence that he can be a solid backup quarterback in Year 2.
But with Richardson still on the roster, Leonard will be competing with him for that role.
Oftentimes, it is in Year 2 when a player makes a big developmental jump, and Shane Steichen could already see the progress that Leonard has made this offseason during OTAs and minicamp.
“He’s been really good,” Steichen said, via Colts Roundtable. “He’s got great command in the huddle. He’s continuing to learn the offense, growing in that nature, going through his reads, going through his progressions, working on his accelerated vision, and going through that stuff. It’s been good to see.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: Can Riley Leonard secure backup QB role?
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
