The Indianapolis Colts will face the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium this Saturday in their final preseason game of 2025, using this opportunity to assess players competing for roster spots. Rookie Riley Leonard will start the game and play the first half, while former undrafted free agent Jason Bean will quarterback the team in the second half, marking an important chance for both to solidify their place on the Colts’ roster.
Coach Steichen Prioritizing Health and Development for Upcoming Season
Head coach Shane Steichen has decided to keep most of the Colts’ starters off the field to preserve their health ahead of the regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7. This approach extends to many backups as well; quarterback Anthony Richardson will not play, nor will recently signed cornerback Xavien Howard. The Bengals will also hold out key starters like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
“I want to make sure our starters are healthy heading into Week 1,”
Steichen stated.
“So, you’ll see a lot of different bodies out there on Saturday.”
Preseason Finale: A Critical Window for Players Fighting for Roster Positions
Saturday’s game is more than a formality, representing the last chance for players low on the depth chart to display their abilities in hopes of making the Colts’ 53-man roster, which must be finalized by 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The game also provides an opportunity for practice squad hopefuls to impress coaches and potentially secure a role that could evolve during the regular season. For quarterbacks Leonard and Bean, each is expected to handle two quarters, showcasing their leadership and skill under game conditions.
Riley Leonard Emphasizes Enjoyment and Teamwork in Rising Career
Riley Leonard, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, appreciates the chance to gain valuable game experience this weekend. Describing the opportunity to share the field with his younger teammates he has bonded with during training camp, Leonard said,
“Any opportunity to play is a fun one. I’m just looking forward to getting out there with the guys that we’ve been competing with throughout this whole process. I think us younger guys have gotten pretty close, so it’ll be fun to kind of feed them and get the opportunity to play for a longer period than we have so far.”
Jason Bean Reflects on the Significance of Playing Time Despite Uncertain Future
Jason Bean, who joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and spent last year on the practice squad, echoes Leonard’s thoughts, expressing gratitude for the chance to get more reps.
“Getting to play at all is a blessing in itself,”
Bean remarked.
“Just to get more reps is obviously something that excites me. But you know, like I said, just getting reps at this level means something.”
Background on Leonard and Bean: Different Paths Converge in Colts’ Quarterback Room
The Colts selected Leonard for his intelligence, toughness, and personality, qualities that align well with the team’s current quarterback room featuring Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr. Bean brings dynamic athleticism and the experience of training within the Colts’ system over the last year. This pairing represents two contrasting but hopeful trajectories as both players seek to earn playing time in the competitive NFL environment.
Focus on Performance Rather Than Future Outcomes
Though the hours after Saturday’s game will be decisive for players on the roster bubble, neither Leonard nor Bean is looking beyond the immediate matchup. Bean said,
“I’m not really looking too far into the future. I’m worried about this week and this game we have this week. And whatever decisions they make at the end of the week, you know, just the decision that they feel is the best need for this team. Whether I’m here, whether I’m somewhere else or no matter what happens, I’m just going to have to live with that and know that I gave my all, and that’s all I can pretty much do.”
Leonard’s Preseason Performance and Approach to Pressure
Over two preseason games, Leonard has completed 19 of 36 pass attempts for 156 yards. Drawing upon his experience leading Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff Championship Game, Leonard feels no extra pressure entering the Colts’ camp.
“Coming from Notre Dame, there’s a lot of pressure there,”
he said.
“So to come here and just try to be your best every day, it’s really not too bad.”
Steichen Sees Saturday as Major Developmental Opportunity for Leonard
Steichen highlighted Saturday’s game as significant, especially for Leonard, who, as a third-string quarterback, might not see another substantial playing opportunity for some time.
“He’s gotten some good reps in training camp, but to get a whole half of action will be good for him and his development,”
the coach said, emphasizing the importance of game experience for young quarterbacks.
Preseason Battles Often Spur Unexpected Breakthroughs
Games featuring mostly reserve players usually become fiercely competitive since many are fighting for the final roster spots before the team cuts 38 players on Tuesday. Stellar performances in such contests can lead to breakout roles in the regular season. Steichen pointed to Austin Ekeler as an example, a 2017 undrafted free agent who made his mark in preseason by catching key passes, eventually becoming an NFL star with 73 touchdowns over his career.
“When I was at the Chargers with him, we played in San Francisco, and he caught a couple passes and broke away and kind of made a name for himself in that game for us,”
Steichen recalled.
“We kept him on the roster, and he’s become a great player in this league for a long time. So, you never know who it’s going to be for us this year. I’m excited to see those guys go and play Saturday.”
Preseason Spotlight Reflects Broader Team Strategy and Development
While the Colts’ focus remains firmly fixed on the long-term health and readiness of key players like Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, Saturday’s preseason game exposes critical depth players to live NFL action that could influence roster finalizations. The Colts’ approach exemplifies a balance between safeguarding starters and providing meaningful opportunities for backups and young talent to prove their worth.