Could former Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard be the starter for the Colts in Week 1?

The Indianapolis Colts played its first preseason game on Thursday night, and there were more than a few positive developments for last years starter for Notre Dame in Riley Leonard after making noise in practice leading up to the game.

Picked in the sixth round, not much was expected as Anthony Richardson was the presumed starter.

Unfortunately for the former Florida product, he suffered an injury early in the game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Obviously this isnt what Indianapolis wanted to see, but it gave Leonard a chance to get more playing time than he expected.He did was he does best, and that was moving the ball with his legs, gaining 34 yards on four carries.

He wasnt sharp throwing, as Leonard completed half of his 24 attempts for 92-yards while getting picked off once.

Daniel Jones was next off the bench after Richardson went down, and it does look like he wanted to return, but the coaches didnt let him according to Destin Adams.

Most likely Leonard is still trying to make the team as the third-string quarterback, but the starter does have an injury history and Jones hasnt looked like a No.

6 overall pick in his six years in the league.It will be interesting what happens, but we are all rooting for Leonard to make the team, and potentially see some playing time during his rookie year.

Riley Leonard doing Riley Leonard things @nflnetwork#IrishInTheNFL | @Colts | @rileyleonard13_pic.twitter.com/kHBzquuf8p Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 8, 2025Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: An injury could open the door for Riley Leonard to make the Colts.

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