DECEMBER 31: Steichen has now confirmed (via Holder) Leonard will get the start this week. Richardson, meanwhile, will not be activated. Henigan and Rivers will thus serve as backups to close out the season.
DECEMBER 30: When speaking after Sunday’s game, Philip Rivers reflected on his three-game return to NFL action. Since that point, signs have pointed to the Colts going in a different direction under center for Week 18. 
It continues to appear as though Rivers will not play in the season finale. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Stephen Holder report Riley Leonard is instead expected to get the nod this week. The sixth-round rookie has made four appearances so far this season. With the Colts out of playoff contention, he will now turn his attention to preparing for his first regular season start.
Daniel Jones‘ impressive debut Indianapolis campaign ended with an Achilles tear. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen reached out to Rivers and a deal allowing him to unretire was quickly worked out. At the age of 44, Rivers made three starts and totaled 544 passing yards and four touchdowns while throwing three interceptions. The Colts’ losing streak has extended to six games and the team now sits at 8-8 as a result, a dramatic turn of events for what was once a contender for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Richardson’s practice window is open, although as he continues to recover from an orbital bone fracture it is unclear if he will be activated from IR. The former No. 4 pick’s future is murky, as his time on the field for Indianapolis has left plenty to be desired. That, coupled with his injuries limits the value Richardson would generate in any potential trade. Leonard, meanwhile, profiles as a depth option for the foreseeable future as his rookie contract runs through 2028.
Yesterday, the Colts signed quarterback Seth Henigan to the practice squad. That move pointed further in the direction of Rivers sitting out Week 18 against the Texans and their vaunted defense. The QB1 role is set to go to Leonard instead, with Henigan representing an option to dress as a backup in the event Richardson is not activated.
So Pittman will be relevant again? Too late. FFL Championship was this week
The seasons over, why not let Rivers start the final game after he came back to try and help after retirement? Unless he wants to sit.
Both Rivers and Richardson are former #4 overall picks.
Both Brock Purdy and Chad Kelly were Mr. Irrelevant.
I had high hopes for Chad kelly
Start him as a 44 yr old over a rookie? May as well see what the rookie has to offer and evaluate for next season
I never buy unto that ‘start a rookie the last game to evaluate him for next season’ nonsense. It’s not a fair or accurate test. A final game of the season audition sheds very little light on what a guy can do in the future. Often times one or both of the teams competing are out of playoff picture and are sitting vets or basically anyone who has a bit of an injury and guys are already checking out.
When the choice is start a rookie or a 44 year old feel good story for ESPN…start the rookie. There’s at least the potential of a future at the very least.
Indy laying down vs. Houston so Jax would have to win the AFC South on their own.
Such is why Week 18 is the most wonderful day of the year.
Indy has been laying down since week 10
Rivers gave it his all. Fun to watch for 3 weeks
Should have been a month … why not try for a winning season?
Anderson and Hunter cant wait to see Leonard.
Indy went 0-3 in games started by Rivers. They’re playing the best D in the league this week who still have a chance (slim) to win their division. Might as well see what the young guy has. Rivers isn’t beating Houston anyways.
Big Tony ” Bounce Pass” Richardson isn’t coming back this year? I waited all year to see him under throw receivers and run like a rabbit when his primary receiver is covered. Man, what a disappointment. I did hear the Iowa Barnstormers were looking for a back up QB for 26, so maybe I’ll get to see him there
I’m very aware he doesn’t qualify, but in the most literal definition of the word, Rivers would be the comeback player of the year…
The Comeback Player of the Year award only implies that the comeback must be successful, so technically Darren Waller is still in the running…lol.
What a complete slap in this dudes face. “We, as an organization, have so little faith in you that we are pulling a grandpa 5 years out of retirement to lead us to the playoffs”. “Okay, Riley, now’s your shot. The grandpa thing didn’t work out but hey buddy, you’re our guy…go get em!!!” GTFOH
At the same time though, if Rivers put loyalty aside or being thankful for getting called, he could still stay prepared–though he wont be backup this weekend–and ask his agent to see if he could backup a team in postseason? If Lance were a disaster against Denver, the Chargers could think about it?
The upside to the Rivers thing was that we would see a miracle playoff run. The downside was that he would get killed out there. Glad we got to see Rivers show a little something out there. Glad to not worry about him against that Houston defense.
huh ? ? was montana the last great qb out of notre dame ? ?