Indianapolis Colts fans have seen glimpses of what their team could look like in the 2025 season, but the preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals raises one familiar question.
Week 3 of the preseason is often the final chance for NFL coaches to balance the two competing priorities of keeping starters healthy while also simultaneously giving younger players and those on the back burner one last opportunity to prove they belong on the roster before the 53-man deadline.
The familiar question? With roster cuts looming and Week 1 of the regular season right around the corner, how much should fans expect to see of the starters?
Are Daniel Jones and Other Colts’ Starters Playing Against Cincinnati Tonight?
In a Tuesday release unveiling the Colts’ unofficial depth chart for the Week 3 preseason game, coach Shane Steichen confirmed that no starters will take the field in Cincinnati. Additionally, in his Thursday press conference, Steichen made it clear that quarterback Daniel Jones will not be suiting up for the Bengals.
“I want to make sure our starters are healthy heading into Week 1,” Steichen said. “So, you’ll see a lot of different bodies out there on Saturday.”
It’s not just starters; plenty of backups won’t play, either, including quarterback Anthony Richardson. Cornerback Xavien Howard, who signed as recently as Monday, will also not play.
As is the norm to protect the health of the starters, the Bengals, too, are not playing their starters. Fans will additionally not see Joe Burrow or Ja’Marr Chase take to the field on Saturday afternoon.
The Colts finished 2024 with an 8-9 record and in second place in the AFC South. They were eliminated from contention after a Week 17 upset loss to the New York Giants. Indianapolis’s 2025 preseason is not faring much better, with the Colts looking to capture their first win of the preseason (24-16 loss at Baltimore Week 1, 23-19 loss against Green Bay Week 2) at the Bengals.
Which Young Colts Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
Rookie signal-caller Riley Leonard, an alum of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been given the nod to start at Cincinnati and will play for the entirety of the first half. It has also been revealed that Jason Bean will handle the second half and has been battling for any sort of potential role with the team.
Notre Dame QB CJ Carr said he learned a lot from Riley Leonard that he’ll try to emulate this season.
“The way he carries himself, the way he leads, the way he treats his teammates is second to none. I haven’t been around too many people that are just that invested in the team.” pic.twitter.com/U5JRCTecpD
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) August 22, 2025
Rookie tight end Tyler Warren will also get extended playing time, and backups across the entire offensive line will get their reps in, especially at guard and tackle.
On the defensive side, younger corner Jaylon Jones, who returned to practice Wednesday after a hamstring injury, will see action in addition to defensive line depth, including Adetomiwa Adebawore and Eric Johnson II, who will be rotated frequently.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. While the game won’t be nationally televised, fans with NFL+ or those in local markets will be able to watch.
