Anthony Richardson missed a significant portion of the Colts’ quarterback competition due to ongoing shoulder issues that sidelined him during minicamp. However, he returned in time for training camp, putting him back in direct competition with Daniel Jones.
While Jones was seen as the early favorite to win the job—especially following Richardson’s latest absence—he hasn’t managed to separate himself in the race. Head coach Shane Steichen announced (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder) that Richardson will start in Indianapolis’ preseason opener on Thursday, with Jones set to start the second preseason game.
According to Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star, Richardson will play about a quarter and a half, with Jones finishing the rest of that game. The roles will reverse the following week against the Packers.
This decision doesn’t necessarily mean Jones has fallen behind, but it reflects the team’s interest in giving Richardson valuable reps.
Despite that, neither quarterback has shown strong consistency during camp, mirroring the up-and-down nature of their past performances. The Colts brought in Jones following Richardson’s difficult 2024 campaign, which featured a historically low completion percentage and a controversial tap-out that reportedly hurt his standing in the locker room. There were also concerns about Richardson’s preparation, which led to Joe Flacco temporarily taking over midseason.
At 28, Jones was considered a strong candidate to start entering camp and reportedly had a “significant” edge after minicamp. He signed a $14 million contract ($13.15 million guaranteed), a figure above typical backup money.
Richardson did not begin training camp on the active/PUP list, suggesting progress in his recovery and giving him a legitimate shot at the starting role. He has played in limited NFL action, missing 13 games as a rookie and another six last season, and his 47.7% completion rate in 2024 remains a concern.
Jones, who was benched and then released by the Giants midseason last year, joined the Vikings’ practice squad before choosing to sign with the Colts for a better chance to compete for a starting job. According to The Athletic’s James Boyd, the two quarterbacks have been running “neck and neck” throughout camp. While Jones brings more experience and steadiness, Richardson’s higher ceiling is a major factor.
The preseason games against the Ravens and Packers will be pivotal in determining who starts in Week 1. Steichen has indicated that he’s in no rush to make a final decision, and an in-season quarterback switch remains a real possibility given the profiles of both players.
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