The Colts preseason opener was supposed to be a tune up for Anthony Richardson and a chance for Daniel Jones to settle into the QB2 role. Instead, it turned into an unexpected audition for Riley Leonard, the rookie quarterback from Notre Dame.
Picked in the sixth round, Leonard wasn’t expected to see much action this summer beyond mop up duty. But when Richardson dislocated his pinky early in the first quarter Thursday night in Baltimore, the depth chart shuffled, and Leonard found himself playing the entire second half. It wasn’t the way he wanted the opportunity to come, but it was the kind of break late round quarterbacks have to capitalize on.
The Debut
GettyRiley Leonard showcases his rushing ability.
Leonard’s calling card at Notre Dame was his dual threat ability, and that translated quickly under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium. He picked up 34 yards on just four carries, including a couple of scrambles that extended drives. But as expected for a rookie, it was a mixed bag. In the passing game, Leonard had just 12 completions on 24 attempts for 92 yards, one touchdown drive, and one interception that the Ravens converted into points.
Daniel Jones had taken over after Richardson’s injury. And according to Colts reporter Destin Adams, Jones wanted to return in the second half but was held out by the coaching staff. That left Leonard in for the duration, an invaluable experience for a player whose preseason snaps might otherwise have been limited.
“I just think the athletic ability that he has at the quarterback position, what he was able to do at Notre Dame this year, leading them to the National Championship speaks volumes of the player and the competitor that he is,” Shane Steichen said via 1075thefan.
Colts coaches have seen steady improvement since camp opened, but Thursday was their first chance to watch Leonard under real game pressure. “He’s an ascending player,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said. “He’s not near his ceiling. He can continue to improve, which is intriguing for the NFL.”
What Comes Next
GettyExpect to see Riley Leonard more in the next two preseason games.
Leonard entered camp as the clear QB3, slotted behind Richardson and Jones. But Richardson’s injury history and Jones’ uneven six year resume give Leonard more than just a developmental role to chase.
The rookie’s real opportunity lies in how he handles the next two preseason games. With Richardson sidelined for the rest of August, Leonard should get extended run with second team reps. If he can show improved accuracy, timing, and situational awareness on top of his mobility, he could position himself as a trusted option if injuries hit during the regular season.
Leonard’s playing for a roster spot, a chance to climb the depth chart, and the trust of a franchise that could need him sooner than expected. For a rookie who came in as a late round flyer, this is the moment to turn summer hype into fall confidence. And right now, the Colts are giving him the snaps to prove he can do it.
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