The Indianapolis Colts certainly have a quarterback controversy brewing. Sure, lots of fans think that Anthony Richardson has the inside track on being named QB1. Head coach Shane Steichen might have other ideas, though.
Steichen has already said that both Richardson and Jones will play a bunch in the preseason, but whoever starts in preseason Week 1 will not start in preseason Week 2. Maybe this is meant to motivate Richardson, but if Jones plays well in the preseason, look out.
It is the Colts' QB3 that had a great day of practice on Sunday, however. Riley Leonard, a sixth-round draft pick for Indy in 2025, has literally no chance of becoming Indianapolis's starter at QB, unless something terrifically awful happens to Jones and Richardson. But if Jones and Richardson continue to struggle, then extreme changes might need to be made.
Riley Leonard finally shines at Indianapolis Colts training camp
The good part is that after Saturday's disaster of an offensive showing in training camp, the quarterback group as a whole was much better on Sunday. Maybe it helped that there were more seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills instead of mostly red zone play, but Richardson unofficially completed 10 of 14 passes, as did Jones.
But neither did as well as Riley Leonard. The Notre Dame prospect didn't miss any throws, though a receiver dropped one. He was accurate and effective, and appeared to display the leadership qualities that helped him lead the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game last season.
Leonard is not a natural thrower nor a natural runner. He is smart, though, and there is no question that if tasked with being in charge of an offense, he will do everything possible to make sure his teammates are along for the ride. Heck, no one thought much about Brock Purdy either until he started winning a lot of games for the San Francisco 49ers.
This isn't to say that Riley Leonard will be as good as Purdy. In fact, he lacks one of the 49ers' quarterback's greatest strengths: Accuracy. Leonard was excellent against defensive backups on Sunday, but has been mostly underwhelming for most of training camp.
Still, he is only a rookie and has time to grow. Maybe that growth begins with Sunday's practice. A little bit of confidence goes a long way. Indianapolis Colts' QB3 Riley Leonard should have gotten some confidence from his most recent effort, but he needs to keep it going throughout the rest of camp and the preseason.