Player news tracker

Riley Leonard fantasy football news and podcast insights

Source-backed player signal from monitored fantasy football podcasts, shows, videos, articles, and social posts.

QBIND40 insightsLatest Aug 25, 2026

Positive signals

Negative signals

Sources

Aug 25, 2026

Latest update

NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 25, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard did not look comfortable at all against the Falcons' second and third units in the Colts' second preseason game, raising concerns about his readiness in the quarterback battle.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard impressed in Week 18 against Houston but has looked less than stellar in preseason competition; despite early optimism, he is not securing the backup quarterback role and is in direct competition with Anthony Richardson, who showed better form in Week 1 against the Patriots.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Colts 2nd-year quarterback Riley Leonard has struggled through his first two preseason games and has been outplayed by backup challenger Anthony Richardson Sr. in the competition for the team's QB2 job. Leonard's poor preseason performance has put him at risk of being relegated to the QB3 job, though the source notes there is still one preseason game remaining and Leonard could still compete if he performs well with the 3s in the second half while Richardson Sr. struggles in the first half.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 25, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard started at quarterback for the Colts against Atlanta but struggled significantly, completing 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards in a game where neither team played starters. His poor performance preceded Anthony Richardson Sr., who also failed to impress with 3 of 9 for 24 yards—a step back from Richardson's solid outing in the Colts' first preseason game.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source assesses Leonard as looking more the part of a developmental QB3 after a poor preseason Week 2 outing (7 of 14, 62 yards, 0 TDs, 1 fumble) against Atlanta, following an equally sluggish performance in his preseason debut. Despite a limited but strong sample in the 2025 regular season finale against Houston's first-team defense, the source notes this was a very limited sample size and that head coach Shane Steichen is a notoriously adept game scripter, especially in the first half. Leonard needed a rebound outing to stay in the QB2 race but instead performed worse than his previous game, suggesting he is not the preferred backup option.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The Colts' starting quarterback struggled against the Falcons' defense; looked for Laquon Treadwell with an incomplete pass, was pressured on third down and forced to run for a first down, threw a short pass to Pharaoh Brown that resulted in a big hit and small loss, missed on third down, had a pass tipped by Christian Harris, was sacked by Cam Sample, and had an offensive pass interference called on a long pass attempt.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Second-year quarterback Riley Leonard started the preseason home opener against Atlanta 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. Indianapolis' first five possessions lasted just 24 plays and gained only 70 total yards, highlighting Leonard's inability to move the offense efficiently with the second unit.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard will start for the Colts in the preseason game against the Falcons, with only depth players seeing the field for both teams; this is a limited-action preseason opportunity.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard is listed as a notable quarterback for the Colts in Week 2 preseason against Atlanta. Playing time is uncertain as head coach Kevin Stefanski tests backup quarterbacks.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Backup quarterback Riley Leonard will get the start for the first half of the Colts' preseason Week 2 game against the Falcons, with Anthony Richardson Sr. coming in relief to start the second half.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard is expected to play the first half of the Colts' preseason game against the Falcons, giving Indianapolis a cleaner first-half structure and more interesting quarterback setup than Atlanta's approach of resting starters.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveProjectionAug 21, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The quarterback 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.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveProjectionAug 21, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 20, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard is expected to get playing time for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 against the Falcons, with Brock Purdy trusting him and Anthony Richardson to perform.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard, Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback, was getting married and had Daniel Jones, the Colts' starting quarterback, join him for a morning workout at his wedding day, indicating the two have a close relationship and Leonard remains in a backup role.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard, the 2nd-year quarterback 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 one career start under his belt, Leonard could arguably use more seasoning before being anointed as Indianapolis's primary backup quarterback, putting him behind Richardson in the backup hierarchy.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 17, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard was outplayed by Anthony Richardson in the Colts' preseason opener as both compete for the QB2 job, suggesting Richardson has the edge in the competition.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 17, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Rookie Riley Leonard was not allowed to finish the 2025 season as the Colts' emergency starter after Daniel Jones' torn Achilles injury; instead, the team brought back retired Philip Rivers, suggesting limited confidence in Leonard's readiness or role as a long-term backup option.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 16, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard threw an interception to John Saunders Jr. in the third quarter of the preseason opener that was returned 26 yards to set up a Patriots field goal.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Pats Pulpit

Riley Leonard was the Colts quarterback in the third quarter; John Saunders Jr. intercepted his throw and returned it 26 yards to set up a field goal.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Riley Leonard attempted a last-second Hail Mary on the final play of the Colts' preseason game against the New England Patriots, indicating he was in the game in a meaningful situation.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Colts quarterback Riley Leonard attempted a Hail Mary on the final play of the preseason opener against the New England Patriots that fell incomplete in a 13-13 tie.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source characterizes Riley Leonard as a developmental practice squad player whose camp performance has been 'equally as uninspiring' as Anthony Richardson's, suggesting he is not a viable backup QB option for the Colts.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Presumed long-term QB2 for the Colts; Anthony Richardson played ahead of him in preseason Week 1.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard is the presumed long-term QB2 for the Colts, but Anthony Richardson played ahead of him in preseason Week 1.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Leonard is the presumed long-term QB2 for the Colts, with Anthony Richardson playing ahead of him in preseason Week 1.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Colts QB is presumed long-term QB2 but played behind Anthony Richardson in preseason Week 1.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeProjectionAug 14, 2026Stampede Blue

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Sixth-round quarterback struggled in third-string action, with his first two possessions lasting just three plays apiece. Flooded with heavy pressure from the first snap and threw an interception on his second throw that was picked off by Patriots safety John Saunders Jr., setting up the Patriots inside Colts territory. Finished 10-for-21 passing for 89 yards and one interception, though he engineered a pair of methodical late drives in the fourth quarter to help level the score.

Insight page Source Original