Overview
- Riley Leonard went 21-of-34 for 270 yards with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score in a 38-30 loss to the Texans, ending the Colts’ season on a seven-game skid at 8-9.
- On his opening drive, Leonard hit Alec Pierce for a 66-yard touchdown, then tossed the game ball to his father in the stands in a moment shown on CBS.
- Facing the NFL’s top scoring defense, Leonard became the third Colts rookie to log 270 yards, two TDs and a 90+ rating in a game, joining Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, drawing praise from coach Shane Steichen.
- Philip Rivers, 44, returned for three starts and went 0-3 before Leonard got the nod for the finale, and he has said he will retire again.
- Multiple reports indicate the Colts aim to bring back Daniel Jones, with Leonard strengthening his case for the No. 2 role and Anthony Richardson’s future potentially in flux.