Colts to Start Riley Leonard over Philip Rivers in Finale.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have announced that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will start in Sunday’s season finale against the Houston Texans, ending veteran Philip Rivers’ brief second stint with the team. Rivers, 44, came out of retirement earlier this month after starter Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury. With first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. also on injured reserve, Colts coach Shane Steichen, a close friend of Rivers, had persuaded the veteran to return due to his experience in the offense and leadership abilities. Rivers, who completed 63% of his passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in three starts, accepted the team’s decision to give Leonard his first career start. Steichen described the decision as beneficial for Leonard’s development and acknowledged ongoing discussions with Rivers about the situation. Richardson, recovering from an orbital fracture and eye injury, remains on injured reserve and is not expected to play. The Colts also recently signed quarterback Seth Henigan to the practice squad, who could potentially be activated for Sunday’s game.

Rivers, a former Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist, will not be eligible for consideration again until 2031. Leonard, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, faces a challenging debut against Houston’s defense.