On Tuesday, head coach Shane Steichen revealed his plan for the Indianapolis Colts' starters and the quarterbacks in the team's preseason finale on Saturday against the Detroit Lions.
The starters did not play in the first two preseason games, but most will see the field for a series or two on Saturday.
"8-12 plays," Steichen said, via The Athletic's James Boyd.
Excluded from this group, however, are Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor -- they will not play.
To be clear, no Daniel Jones or Jonathan Taylor, per #Colts HC Shane Steichen. Other starters will play. https://t.co/Yv2GSfwfi2
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 25, 2026
Who starts at quarterback for the Colts in the preseason finale?
Steichen said that Anthony Richardson will get the start and play for a quarter. Riley Leonard will then play the second quarter, while Easton Stick plays the second half.
Richardson got the start in Week 1 against New England and played the entire first half. Compared to Leonard, he had the better outing, completing 11-of-14 passes for 145 yards. He did, however, throw an interception that went through the receiver's hands and put the ball on the ground.
In Week 2 against Atlanta, it was Leonard who got the start, and both he and Richardson struggled, as did the play around them.
This preseason, Richardson is 14-of-23 passing for 169 yards with an interception. He's also rushed for 69 yards and a score.
Leonard is 17-of-35 passing for 151 yards with an interception.
From the outside looking in, it's difficult to gauge where this competition for the backup role is at. As Steichen acknowledged last week, each quarterback has flashed, but also had their ups and downs.
That said, in preseason games anyway, Richardson's ability to extend plays outside the pocket has seemed to be a differentiator for him, helping to turn negative plays into positive ones, while keeping the chains moving.
Saturday's preseason game will be the final data point for Steichen before a decision is made.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Steichen reveals Colts starting QB, plan for starters v. Lions in preseason
