How must Riley Leonard feel right now? He was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft with the hopes he would develop into a solid, long-term backup. In the preseason, he wasn't great. Then he got a chance to play real snaps in Week 14.
Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, starter Daniel Jones tore an Achilles tendon, and nearly immediately, the team knew he would be out for the rest of the season. In Jones' place stood Leonard. The worst was expected.
Only, Leonard wasn't awful. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards with an interception and ran a couple of times.