Colts’ Riley Leonard gives Anthony Richardson props during friendly QB competition
Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson are on positive terms as the QB2 spot on the Colts’ roster remains up for grabs in the 2026 season.
Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson are on great terms as the competition for the Indianapolis Colts’ secondary quarterback role remains up for grabs ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Leonard is gearing up for Year 2 of his career, while Richardson goes through Year 4. Leonard played in five games as a rookie following Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury, splitting time with Philip Rivers. Richardson was the starter in 2023 and 2024 before losing his job to Jones.
Jones has successfully undergone Achilles rehab, on pace to be the Colts’ starter. The focus is now the backup role, seeing Leonard and Richardson duke it out for the spot.
“My best is good enough to win, and Anthony (Richardson Sr.’s) best is good enough to win. You never want to win a competition because maybe you both played bad and you just didn’t play as bad. … Who can reach their full potential?” Leonard said, per reporter James Boyd.
Riley Leonard on trying to be the #Colts’ QB2: “My best is good enough to win, and Anthony (Richardson Sr.’s) best is good enough to win. You never want to win a competition because maybe you both played bad and you just didn’t play as bad. … Who can reach their full potential?” pic.twitter.com/DxGk5ITOOD
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 29, 2026
What lies ahead for Riley Leonard, Colts this season
The Colts have promising talent that can allow them to be in the playoff mix once again. However, they need to do their best to protect Daniel Jones at quarterback while Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson handle backup duties.
Leonard made five appearances that featured one start throughout the 2025 season. He completed 39 passes for 415 yards and two touchdowns and three interceptions while racking up six rushes for 27 yards and two touchdowns. As for Richardson, he seeks the healthiest of his career after suffering season-ending injuries in his first three seasons. 2024 marks his best as he threw for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions while recording 86 rushes for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
The Colts will seek to improve upon their 8–9 record from the previous two seasons, make the playoffs after a five-year absence and win the AFC South for the first time since 2014.
Indianapolis’ campaign will get underway at home. They host the Baltimore Ravens as kickoff commences on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET.
Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson are on great terms as the competition for the Indianapolis Colts’ secondary quarterback role remains up for grabs ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Leonard is gearing up for Year 2 of his career, while Richardson goes through Year 4. Leonard played in five games as a rookie following Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury, splitting time with Philip Rivers.