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Stampede Blue fantasy football takes on Riley Leonard
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Stampede Blue about Riley Leonard.
26
Insights
5
Positive
9
Negative
Insight ledger
All Stampede Blue insights about Riley Leonard
NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Looked uncomfortable against the Falcons' second and third units in the preseason game; the source notes that neither quarterback in the battle appeared to want the job, with Leonard's performance raising questions about his readiness in the quarterback competition.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Leonard impressed in Week 18 against Houston, which initially positioned him as the favorite for the backup QB role over Richardson. However, the source notes that in the Falcons game, "Leonard looked no better" than Richardson, suggesting his preseason performance has been inconsistent. If Leonard continues to underperform while Richardson regains his early preseason form, Leonard's hold on the backup spot becomes vulnerable.NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Second-year quarterback Riley Leonard is in competition with Anthony Richardson Sr. for the Colts' QB2 job but has struggled through his first two preseason games. Leonard's poor performance has put him behind Richardson Sr. in the depth chart race; if Leonard plays well with the third-string unit in the preseason finale while Richardson Sr. struggles in the first half, the competition could reopen, but neither challenger has clearly distanced himself from the other so far in training camp and preseason.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Leonard played with the 2s against the Falcons in a QB2 battle with Anthony Richardson. The source notes there were more positives than negatives in his performance: he made big throws on third down, did not turn the ball over, and showed several positive plays and throws. However, the source also emphasizes the harsh reality that neither Leonard nor Richardson looks ready for regular-season NFL action, and if the Colts were forced to play either backup right now, they would be in serious trouble.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
2nd-year QB Leonard needed a rebound outing in the QB2 race after a sluggish preseason debut, but was just as bad or worse against Atlanta, completing 7 of 14 pass attempts for 62 passing yards (4.4 avg.), 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a fumble. The source assesses Leonard as looking more the part of a developmental QB3 rather than a viable QB2 option, citing his limited sample size from the 2025 regular season finale and noting that Indianapolis brought back veteran Philip Rivers rather than starting Leonard down the stretch.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
Second-year quarterback Riley Leonard started the second-team offense in the preseason home opener but struggled significantly, finishing 7-of-14 passing for just 62 yards in the first half; three of his seven completions came in garbage time when the Colts had no realistic chance of scoring, highlighting poor efficiency and decision-making with the backup unit.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
QB2 in battle with Anthony Richardson; poor performance in week 1; getting most snaps early in week 2 against more roster-caliber players; source expresses low expectations for his performance.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Backup quarterback Riley Leonard will get the start for the first half of the Colts' preseason game against the Falcons, with Anthony Richardson Sr. coming in relief to start the second half.PositiveProjectionAug 21, 2026
Riley Leonard flourished in his final practice of camp, throwing four touchdown passes during the low red zone period to four different pass catchers: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Deion Burks, Will Mallory, and Tyler Moore. Leonard will get his opportunity to start inside Lucas Oil Stadium for Saturday's preseason game against the Falcons.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Riley Leonard, the 2nd-year QB competing with Richardson Sr. for the Colts QB2 job, had a rough preseason showing in relief during the second half against New England. With only 1 career start under his belt, the source argues he could use more seasoning before being anointed as Indianapolis's primary backup quarterback, positioning Richardson Sr. as the more ready option.NegativeProjectionAug 16, 2026
Backup quarterback showed up-and-down performance in red zone work but demonstrated impressive chemistry with Colts wideout Raylen Sharpe, connecting on multiple receiving touchdowns during red zone drills.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
The source characterizes Riley Leonard as a developmental practice squad player whose camp performance has been equally uninspiring. The source believes the Colts would be wise to add a veteran QB to the room that they can trust in a pinch rather than rely on Leonard as a backup.NegativeProjectionAug 14, 2026
Sixth-round QB Riley Leonard struggled early (first two possessions lasted 3 plays each, flooded with pressure, 1 INT on second throw), but engineered a late rally in the fourth quarter with methodical drives feeding receiver Raylen Sharpe on short completions and adding an 11-yard scramble. Finished 10-for-21 for 89 yards and 1 INT, showing resilience but inconsistency in the ongoing quarterback battle.NegativeProjectionAug 14, 2026
The 2nd-year quarterback played with the third-team offense and faced poor offensive line play. Started rough with an early sack and interception on a poor decision under pass pressure. Finished 10 of 21 for 89 passing yards, 1 INT, and 12 rushing yards on 2 carries. Will be the preseason starter next week at home against the Atlanta Falcons.NegativeRoleAug 13, 2026
Backup quarterback coming in relief during the second half of the preseason opener against the Patriots; competing for the QB2 role behind starting quarterback Daniel Jones. A strong performance could help Leonard's case for earning the backup job.NegativeDepth ChartAug 12, 2026
Riley Leonard is positioned as the likely starter for the Colts going forward; barring an injury to Leonard, Anthony Richardson would need to perform at an elite level in preseason games to even get consideration for the starting role, indicating a clear depth chart shift away from the 4th overall pick.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Backup quarterback Riley Leonard will play the second half of the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, then start the following week against the Atlanta Falcons. Leonard has had an up-and-down camp but reportedly showed strong performance running with the second-team offense during Tuesday's joint practice with the Patriots, competing with Anthony Richardson for the QB2 job behind Daniel Jones.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Rookie quarterback coming off an encouraging Week 18 performance against the Texans; impressed fans and has a definite edge towards the backup role. However, the source cautions that Houston wasn't putting their best foot forward, so the performance may not translate to real game action. Nevertheless, a strong showing in the first preseason game gives Leonard an advantage in the backup competition.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Listed as co-No. 2 quarterback alongside Anthony Richardson Sr. on the Colts' depth chart, competing for the backup job; will split reps with Richardson in Thursday's preseason game against New England while Daniel Jones rests.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Backup QB Riley Leonard will rotate with Anthony Richardson in Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots; under team control through 2028 on his rookie contract, positioning him as the likely default winner of the QB2 job if Richardson doesn't clearly separate himself across training camp, preseason, and off-field work—especially given Richardson's free-agent status at year-end and trade request.PositiveDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Riley Leonard is favored over Anthony Richardson for the QB2 role behind Daniel Jones; Leonard is under contract through 2028, whereas Richardson is a free agent at year-end and will not re-sign with the Colts. Despite having only one career start, Leonard has held his own against Richardson in training camp competition, making him the logical choice for Indianapolis both now and going forward.PositiveRoleAug 8, 2026
The backup QB received more reps than Anthony Richardson amid the battle for backup QB duties. Leonard opened his first team session with an impressive pass down the sideline to receiver Coleman Owen, who had created separation from linebacker Jaylon Carlies. Leonard later layered a pass over the reach of cornerback Rob Carter Jr. and into the hands of tight end Will Mallory for a 10-yard gain to drop the sticks for goal-to-go. Since only the second-team went out for one final two-minute drill, Leonard commanded the offense to midfield and completed three passes outside the numbers to pass catchers Eli Pancol, Will Mallory and Coleman Owen, though the second-unit stalled after moving the ball into opposing territory.NegativeRoleAug 4, 2026
Quarterback Riley Leonard is competing in the QB2 competition during offseason workouts, indicating he is in the mix for the backup quarterback role behind the starter.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Riley Leonard is shaking off some early rust during Colts training camp, suggesting he is working through the adjustment period as he gets acclimated to the team's system and pace.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Split second-team opportunities with Anthony Richardson Sr. to compete for the backup quarterback job. Experienced growing pains working with the backups; his toughest moment came when he rolled left to keep the play alive before floating a duck of a pass that safety Trey Washington intercepted while diving near the sideline. Also involved in an errant exchange with second-team center Dalton Tucker as one snap sailed over his head.NegativeDepth ChartJul 29, 2026
Leonard is competing with Anthony Richardson for QB2 reps behind Daniel Jones. He has only one career start to his name, making him less proven than Richardson. The Colts are splitting offseason reps between Leonard and Richardson with the first-team offense, and it will be interesting to see who primarily receives backup quarterback reps in training camp and preseason or whether the split continues until the QB2 victor emerges.