The Indianapolis Colts have made their bed, and now they have to watch it burn. The team will start Daniel Jones at quarterback, a move that is supposed to last the entire year. At least, that's what head coach Shane Steichen says. If his team is 1-4 to start the year, we will see if things change.
But entering preseason Week 3, Jones will not play. Neither will backup Anthony Richardson. Instead, as Colts fans watch Indy take on the Cincinnati Bengals, we will see a bunch of deep-cut backups take on a lot of other deep-cut backups. Maybe the best of what remains wins.
Still, while the game is rather meaningless, Indianapolis could see a couple of roster battles decided. More importantly, quarterback Riley Leonard, a sixth-round 2025 draft pick, will get to show what he can do against other players battling for roster spots.
3 things to watch as the Colts close out their preseason against the Bengals
Riley Leonard will give the false impression he is a good quarterback
Forget what you see and hear when Indy plays Cincy. If Leonard was going in as a starter and playing against starters, and then did well, we'd have some news. But he will be playing against backups, and will probably be meh as a passer.
That said, he could break off a number of unscripted runs and actually have more rushing yards than passing yards. He will make the team because the Colts need a QB3, and his teammates like him. He could develop into a leader one day. As for preseason Week 3, he will look solid, but not against a lot of players who are going to make the Bengals roster.
Jelani Woods will outplay Will Mallory
Indy's final tight end battle is probably coming down to Mallory versus Woods, and Mallory probably has the advantage. This isn't based solely on how well they have done in training camp and the regular season, but on the injury histories each has had over their careers. Woods hasn't played in two years, for instance.
Still, a healthy Woods is a capable receiver, and he should have a relatively easy time against the Bengals' backups. Mallory is the better blocker, but that won't show up so much at first glance. His game is more about depth than splashy plays. Woods might catch five passes for 80 yards, but that won't be indicative of reality when real games begin.
JuJu Brents will stay healthy
Brents has missed a bunch of time leading up to the season with a hamstring injury. Shane Steichen has said he would get some play against Cincinnati, though. Possibly, there is little doubt he will make the roster, but he needs to get some work in before Week 1.
Brents also can't just go out and do nothing. He has to show he deserves a roster spot even among a banged-up secondary. The team added Xavien Howard recently, so Brents is even further down the depth chart.