Head coach Shane Steichen has some tough calls to make in the QB department. The Indianapolis Colts’ latest loss took them out of the running for the playoffs. The loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars marks Indy’s sixth straight loss and takes Philip Rivers’ record to 0-3 as the starting quarterback. After the game, the coach spoke about evaluating the starting QB situation heading into the final week of the regular season.

“Postgame: Colts coach Shane Steichen said he’ll think over his QB decision the next couple of days and decide who will start in Week 18 at Houston,” as per ESPN’s Stephen Holder on X.

That leaves everyone wondering what’s next for the quarterback spot. As Rivers, who is on a practice squad contract, can’t suit up for a fourth game without risking his Hall of Fame eligibility. This rule opens the door for coach Steichen to see rookie Riley Leonard under the NFL lights as a starter.

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Leonard was drafted 6th overall by the Colts in the 2025 Draft. At Notre Dame, he led the conference in completions with 269, attempts with 403, and completion percentage at 66.7%. But he also threw 8 interceptions that year. A troubling pattern, also seen when he got a chance to sling it with just 0:04 seconds left in the fourth quarter against the Jaguars. And Leonard coughed it up with another pick.

This season with Indy, though, Leonard hasn’t seen much turf time yet. His most notable action came in Week 14, when Daniel Jones went down with an Achilles injury. But if coach Steichen’s words hold true, it leaves the door open for changes in the position for the final game of the season. With Rivers suggesting this might be his last time.

Philip Rivers hints at his “last time” after the loss

After the Colts’ tough 17-23 loss, the 44-year-old quarterback even hinted at his last game while reflecting warmly on his return to the field.

“It’s been a blast to be out here on the field,” Rivers said after the game. “Like I said, disappointed in the outcomes. But it’s just been overwhelmed with gratitude, thankful for our family support…just thankful. People may ask, well, since you didn’t get in, do you regret it? Heck no, heck. No, it’s been absolutely awesome to get a chance to play one more time, and excited to get what might be the last time here this afternoon.”

By “last time here,” Rivers could have meant this final regular-season game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts’ home venue won’t see any playoff action this season. For Rivers, though, it might also signal the end of his comeback before he hangs up his cleats again.

Rivers came out of a five-year retirement, and sure, it must feel good to lace them up again. But for the Colts, this loss brings a harsh reality. Indy became the first team since 1995 to start 8-2 or better and still finish out of the playoffs. That raises serious questions about the franchise’s future.