Sun Oct 26 23:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Colts Name Rookie Riley Leonard Backup QB for Week 8

Indianapolis, IN – Head Coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Friday that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will continue as the Colts’ backup quarterback behind Daniel Jones for their Week 8 matchup against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“He’s been preparing, like I’ve said, since he got here,” Steichen stated. “I like the way he works, the way he goes about his business. Last week he had a great week of preparation and did it again this week. So he’ll be our backup this week.”

While Steichen only committed to Leonard being the backup “for right now,” the rookie steps into the role following Anthony Richardson Sr.’s injury during pregame warmups in Week 6, which landed him on injured reserve for a minimum of four weeks. This weekend will technically be Leonard’s third game as QB2.

Leonard, who started the Colts’ third preseason game showcasing his potential with 15 of 20 passes completed for 189 yards and a touchdown, has yet to appear in a regular season game. The Colts also signed veteran Brett Rypien to the practice squad following Richardson’s injury, but NFL rules dictate that Rypien would need to be elevated to the active roster to be available on gameday.

The Colts are currently riding a wave of success, boasting a 6-1 record and having scored a franchise-record 232 points through seven games in the Super Bowl era. In their win against the Chargers, Taylor rushed for 94 yards and three touchdowns and Jones remains the only quarterback in the NFL to not be sacked on third or fourth down this season.

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