Shane Steichen non-committal about starting quarterback for Week 18

Story byPaul Bretl, Colts WireSun, December 28, 2025 at 11:31 PM UTC·2 min readThe Indianapolis Colts may make a change at quarterback in the season finale against Houston. Over the last few weeks, head coach Shane Steichen has been adamant that Phillip Rivers would start, but after Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, Steichen was non-committal, saying he would take the next couple of days to think that over. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA recent report from Ian Rapoport said that Riley Leonard could be in line for the Week 18 start in Houston. Given that the Colts are out of playoff contention, that would make the most sense. It would provide Leonard with valuable experience and allow the Colts to get an extended look at the rookie. While Rivers provided the Colts with stability at quarterback in his return, with nothing to play for, the decision behind who starts this week is about the future and not the present.“If this was the last one, shoot, again, I told the guys I wouldn’t have any regrets about coming back — and I don’t," Rivers said after Sunday's game. "Other than us not winning, it’s been an absolute blast for three weeks.”Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve and has been at practice.