Daniel Jones has progressed to throwing the football, though head coach Shane Steichen emphasized that the team will remain cautious regarding his availability for the start of the season. While Riley Leonard is currently slated as the backup, Anthony Richardson’s status for the No. 2 role remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a right eye injury.
Lingering health questions leave Indy’s quarterback depth chart in flux as the team monitors how both players’ rehab progresses this summer. When healthy, Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback, and he is a sneaky value in best ball and superflex dynasty leagues.
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was ...
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) ...
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) ...
Daniel Jones is currently shredding his Achilles recovery protocol, and with Chris Ballard officially endorsing his progress, he is the locked-and-loaded starter for Indy in 2026. Before the tear, Jones was a high-level efficiency engine, ranking No. 6 in Dropback EPA with a career-high 68.0% Completion Percentage and a 100.2 Passer Rating that screams high-end fantasy value.
With Anthony Richardson essentially out of the picture and Riley Leonard looming as the No. 2 insurance policy, the runway is clear for Jones to be the undisputed centerpiece of this Colts offensive machine.
The Indianapolis Colts will miss the playoffs but wide receiver Alec Pierce might be headed to a big payday this offseason. Pierce capped off a great contract year season with 132 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans.
Pierce ends the season with 47 receptions, 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Riley Leonard also made a strong impression in week 18, throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns plus another 21 yards and a score on the ground.
The Colts have a crowded receiving room so Pierce could be looking at being a prized free agent on the open market and with Daniel Jones’ injury Riley Leonard may have played himself into an opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback spot in 2026.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Rookie QB Riley Leonard will get an extended look in Week 18. The University of Notre Dame product was a Day 3 selection of the Colts, but was limited throughout the season behind Daniel Jones. Leonard sat behind Rivers for the last three games, but now with the Colts officially eliminated, the team wants more live reps for the rookie.
Leonard rushed 173 times for over 900 yards and 17 TDs during his final season in college. His limits as a passer caused him to be a late round prospect in 2025. Don’t expect much fantasy production in Week 18 and beyond.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
Riley Leonard, mocked now as a 6th round pick on NFL MockDraft Database, did nothing to help his cause at the NFL combine. Already Lance Zierlein’s 3rd lowest graded Quarterback in the class, Leonard’s lack of passing ability will limit him taking the next steps in the NFL.
Even Fightin’ Irish homers should stay away from Leonard in dynasty.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
Riley Leonard, the starting Quarterback for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, started the first quarter for the American Team at the Senior Bowl, completing 6 passes on 7 attempts and turned that into 54 yards.
Leonard completed 66.6-percent of his passes during the 2024 season, throwing 17 passing TDs and 6 Ints. However, it was Leonard’s mobility that set him apart from other QBs– ranking no. 4 with 15 Rush TDs, no. 10 with 42 scrambles, and no. 13 with 799 rush yards and an 83.2 PFF Rush grade.
Leonard’s stock dropped post-Senior Bowl, as he’s now likely to be a 6th round pick or later, per nflmockdraftdatabase.com. Leonard gives Skylar Thompson vibes– late round QB with mobility. Leonard is unlikely to make much noise at the NFL level.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
