Remaining backup in Week 17
Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that Leonard will remain in a backup role Sunday against the Jaguars while Philip Rivers makes a third straight start at quarterback, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
The Colts will be eliminated from playoff contention if the Texans beat the Chargers on Saturday, but Steichen confirmed that Rivers will continue to direct the offense regardless of the outcome of that contest. More specifically, Steichen said that it wouldn't be "fair" to ask rookie Leonard to start on 24 hours' notice if Rivers takes first-team reps throughout the week, which he has been doing since signing with the Colts in Week 15. Though the Colts have suffered losses to the playoff-bound squads in the Seahawks and 49ers in Rivers' two starts, the 44-year-old has given Indianapolis some stability under center following Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles surgery. Rivers won't be part of the Colts' long-term plans, however, so if the team does get eliminated in Week 17, Steichen could entertain the idea of starting Leonard or third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (orbital) -- if available -- in the regular-season finale against the Texans.
More Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Football News
Alec Pierce
Expected to be limited in camp
Pierce will likely be limited for some or all of training camp by his ankle injury, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
Jonathan Taylor
Ready for contract year
Taylor is entering the final season of his contract and said during the spring that he wants "to be a Colt for life," James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Jonathan Taylor
Coaching staff split on workload
Taylor is prepared to handle another massive workload in 2026, though the Colts are hoping to ease the load on their star running back, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
Daniel Jones
Continues to progress
On the subject of his Achilles rehab, Jones said Friday, "I'm doing everything. Cleared to do everything. I think it's just about, at this point, sharpening that," James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
DJ Giddens
Competing for backup role
After a quiet rookie season, Giddens will compete against Seth McGowan for the backup running back role behind Jonathan Taylor for the 2026 season, Paul Pretl of USA Today reports.
Tyler Warren
To maintain key role in Year 2
In his second year as a pro, Warren is a candidate to see his role in the Colts offense continue to grow, according to Mike Chappell of Fox 59 News Indianapolis.
Jonathan Taylor
Set for another huge workload?
Colts coach Shane Steichen told reporters this offseason that it's a "fair assessment" to have concern about Taylor's workload, but Steichen also said it's hard to take his star running back off the field when he's playing so well, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reports.
Ashton Dulin
Competing for expanded role
Dulin has impressed at OTAs and mandatory minicamp and is making a push for the No. 3 wide receiver role behind Alec Pierce (ankle) and Josh Downs, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Daniel Jones
Should see 11-on-11 work next month
Coach Shane Steichen said this week that Jones (Achilles) is expected to participate in 11-on-11 drills when training camp begins next month, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Alec Pierce
Discusses ankle surgery
Pierce (ankle) revealed Wednesday that he underwent surgery this spring after not getting the results he wanted from a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection at the start of the offseason, JJ Stankevitz of Colts.com reports.
