The Indianapolis Colts are staring at one of the most delicate quarterback decisions of their season, and the national commentary has already begun backing one direction.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky didn’t hesitate this week when asked who should start for Indianapolis in Week 15. Riley Leonard or Philip Rivers?
“If Riley Leonard is healthy, I would go with him,” Orlovsky said. “I actually thought he played pretty well against Jacksonville. Philip Rivers is 44 years old.”
That is the conversation now. A rookie quarterback trying to play through a knee injury. A 44-year-old, soon-to-be Hall Of Famer suddenly back in uniform. And a Colts team still very much alive in the AFC playoff chase with four games to go.
Indianapolis ruled Daniel Jones out for the season after his Achilles tear. Anthony Richardson remains on IR. Leonard, thrown into action against Jacksonville, now carries the weight of the decision — if his knee allows it.
Indianapolis ruled Daniel Jones out for the season last week after his Achilles tear. Anthony Richardson remains on IR. Leonard, thrown into action against the Jacksonville Jaguars, now carries the weight of the decision — if his knee allows it.
Shane Steichen confirmed on Wednesday that Leonard was a full participant in practice, but the Colts aren’t calling anything final until they see how he responds through the week. The expectation is simple: if he can move, he’s the guy. If he can’t, everything gets murkier.
Leonard Shows Promise — But His Knee Controls Everything
Leonard gave the Colts more than they expected in his first extended action. He went 18-of-29 for 145 yards, added a rushing touchdown, and protected the football despite heavy Jaguars pressure. The moment didn’t overwhelm him. He processed cleanly, extended plays when necessary, and looked like a quarterback capable of executing Steichen’s offense as designed.
Then his knee bent awkwardly late in the game, forcing the Colts into the gray area they’re navigating now.
Steichen said Leonard “felt good” after Wednesday’s work and looked comfortable moving through reads and rollouts. But that won’t matter until the medical staff clears him to take live hits again — and until they trust he can withstand 60 minutes of Seattle’s front without compensating or tightening up.
Rivers Brings Leadership To Indy
Philip Rivers practicing with the Colts again is a story on its own. He hasn’t played a snap since 2020. He hasn’t gone through a full NFL season’s physical grind in nearly five years. He’s back now because the Colts didn’t want to enter December with one healthy quarterback on the roster.
His presence matters. His voice matters. His understanding of Steichen’s system — rooted in their LA Chargers history — matters.
But none of that guarantees he should play.
Rivers still has to prove he can handle velocity, timing windows, pocket movement, and sudden stress on a 44-year-old body that hasn’t taken a hit in half a decade. Steichen was careful describing his role, repeatedly saying the Colts will “see how the week goes” before declaring a QB plan.
If Leonard is healthy, the job is most likely his. If his knee swells or stiffens or loses stability, the Colts will have to pivot — and Rivers becomes the only quarterback on the roster with real, long-term experience.
Indianapolis is clinging to AFC playoff hopes. The margin for error is gone. And this is the type of decision that can swing a season in either direction.
For now, all eyes stay on Leonard’s knee. The rookie took every rep Wednesday. He moved well enough for coaches to feel encouraged. But the real evaluation comes Thursday and Friday when soreness sets in and mobility either returns — or disappears.
ESPN Analyst Makes Bold Call On Colts’ QB1