OTA observations, QB updates & Riley Leonard joins the show | The Last Word
The Indianapolis Colts are building momentum heading into the 2026 season, with quarterback Daniel Jones making a stunning recovery from a torn Achilles tendon and appearing fully ready for a full workload. His return, combined with a competitive backup battle between Anthony Richardson and rookie Riley Leonard, has created a rare sense of optimism in Indianapolis. The key insight? The Colts aren’t just rebuilding—they’re reassembling a team that was dominant for the first 10 games of the 2025 season, when they led the NFL in scoring, yards per game, and yards per play. With Jones now in sync with head coach Shane Steichen after a full year together, and Leonard using his second offseason to master the offense’s 'why'—not just the 'what'—the team is poised to replicate that elite performance. The real story isn’t just talent, but culture: a quarterback room anchored by mentorship, continuity, and intentional growth. As Leonard puts it, he’s not just learning plays—he’s learning how to think like a starter, so he’s ready when called upon.
Daniel Jones is on track to return to full workload by training camp, appearing fully recovered from a 5.5-month Achilles tear.
Riley Leonard is using his second offseason to master the 'why' behind offensive plays, not just the 'what,' to prepare for a potential starter role.
The Colts' backup quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard is 50-50, creating healthy competition and team-wide growth.
The offense’s 2025 first-half dominance (10-0 record, NFL-leading stats) is the team’s benchmark, and they’re aiming to replicate it with Jones healthy and the same coaching staff intact.
Riley Leonard credits his rookie year development to mentorship from Daniel Jones and Phillip Rivers, calling it a 'perfect' quarterback development path.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening the Offseason: OTA Kickoff & Team Momentum
The episode opens with the start of OTAs, setting the tone for a positive offseason. The Colts are back on the field, the sun is shining, and the energy is high. The focus is on the quarterback situation and the team’s overall rebuild.
Daniel Jones’ Remarkable Recovery & QB Depth
“He doesn't even look like he tore his Achilles. I mean, able to drop back and plant and throw.”
The Backup QB Battle: Richardson vs. Leonard
“The reps are going to be split 50-50, and again, I think that's the right thing.”
Rebuilding the Offense: From 8-2 to 0-7
“The Colts ranked first in scoring, first in yards per game, first in yards per play, first in first downs.”
Health Updates & Key Absences
While DeForest Buckner and Alec Pierce are sidelined, key players like Justin Wally and Hunter Woller are back. Jonathan Taylor, Sauce Gardner, and Mooney Ward are absent due to personal matters but expected for minicamp.
“I want to be the guy who can, hey, I don’t know what’s going on or, hey, I do know what’s going on, let’s get to this play instead of just coach calling a play.”
“I mean, he doesn't even look like he tore his Achilles. I mean, able to drop back and plant and throw.”
“The Colts ranked first in scoring, first in yards per game, first in yards per play, first in first downs.”
Hosts
Guest
indianapolis colts
organization
daniel jones
person
riley leonard
person
casey vallier
person
matt taylor
person
anthony richardson
person
shane steichen
person
alec pierce
person
michael pittman jr
person
phillip rivers
person
Closing the book on the offseason and key Colts storylines heading into Summer | The Last Word
23m • 6/13/2026
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Daniel Jones Progressing in OTAs | Does Recent QB Move Have Hidden Meaning?
29m • 6/3/2026
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Alec Pierce Update from Day 1 of Minicamp | A Rookie Steals the Show
29m • 6/10/2026
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Daniel Jones BALLIN' to End Mandatory Minicamp
27m • 6/11/2026
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Minicamp Takeaways Include Daniel Jones, Ashton Dulin, Arden Key, and More!
33m • 6/12/2026
Hunter Wohler on his return to the field, recovery journey and Midwest roots | The Colts Show
17m • 6/2/2026
Colts OTA takeaways and Minicamp preview | The Last Word
29m • 6/6/2026
Why Jonathan Taylor is ELITE & O-line dynamics with Tanor Bortolini
15m • 6/9/2026
Media Day Part 1 with Tyler Warren, Laiatu Latu & Jonathan Owens | The Colts Show
24m • 6/16/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime