The Colts will not play either of their top two quarterbacks in Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr. on Saturday in their preseason finale against the Bengals. Instead, rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard will get the start and play the first half with Jason Bean taking over to finish out the last two quarters.
In speaking to the media ahead of his first professional start, Leonard said he’s approaching his preparation like he always does.
“Can’t really approach it any different than I have any of the other preseason games,’’ he said. “Preparation really doesn’t change. The only thing is instead of going out and start the second half, I’ll start the first half.
“Really no difference. Luckily, I’ve played in a lot of big games at this point of my career.’’
Leonard, 22, brought Notre Dame to the 2024 national championship game in the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff format before ultimately falling to Ohio State.
His two NFL appearances thus far have shown he has plenty of room to grow. Leonard is 19-for-36 for 156 passing yards and an interception.
The main difference for Leonard on Saturday will be that he’ll start the first half rather than the second half. To him, it’s all the same.
“I guess maybe before the game if you asked me it would be different, but right now pretty similar,” Leonard said. “Right now it seems pretty similar to the other weeks.”
While Leonard is likely secure in his position as QB3, a strong first half will be required to keep Bean at a far enough distance to leave no doubt that he is one of the 53.
