Colts Bench Veteran QB Philip Rivers for Rookie Riley Leonard in Week 18

Six Colts players ruled inactive, including cornerback Sauce Gardner, as team shakes up lineup for season finale against Texans

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:53am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a football game, capturing the dynamic energy and unpredictability of the sport.The Colts' quarterback shakeup and roster changes ahead of the final game of the season expose the complex strategic decisions and risks teams face in the high-stakes world of the NFL.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts are making some surprising lineup changes ahead of their Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans, including benching veteran quarterback Philip Rivers in favor of rookie Riley Leonard. The Colts have also declared six players inactive for the game, including cornerback Sauce Gardner and tight end Will Mallory, due to injuries and other undisclosed reasons.

Why it matters

The Colts' decision to sit Rivers and start the untested Leonard at quarterback is a bold move that could have major implications for the team's playoff hopes and the future of their QB position. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if the rookie can step up, or if the Colts' gamble backfires.

The details

In addition to Rivers being sidelined, the Colts have ruled out cornerback Sauce Gardner due to a calf injury, and tight end Will Mallory due to a lung issue. Defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, safety Reuben Lowery III, and safety George Odum are also inactive, though the team has not specified the reasons. The Colts have promoted practice squad quarterback Seth Henigan to serve as Leonard's backup for the game.

  • On Friday, the Colts ruled out Gardner and Mallory due to their injuries.
  • On Saturday, the team promoted Henigan and tight end Sean McKeon from the practice squad to the active roster.

The players

Philip Rivers

The veteran quarterback who has been a staple for the Colts, but will not play in the season finale.

Riley Leonard

The rookie quarterback who will make his first NFL start in the high-stakes matchup against the Texans.

Seth Henigan

The practice squad quarterback who has been elevated to the active roster to serve as Leonard's backup.

Sauce Gardner

The Colts' cornerback who is out due to a calf injury.

Will Mallory

The Colts' tight end who is sidelined with a lung concern.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.