Anthony Richardson Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Colts LB says when he thinks rookie QB Anthony Richardson will become starter

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin told Good Morning Football on Friday that he thinks it's "probably likely" that rookie Anthony Richardson will be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1.

The Colts selected Richardson fourth overall during April's NFL Draft and it will likely either be him or Gardner Minshew taking the season-opening snaps under center in Week 1 when Indianapolis hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars (Minshew's original team). The Colts signed the 27-year-old Minshew in March and he's proven to be a serviceable backup and solid fill-in starter when needed during his four-year career.

Former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles was released by Indianapolis in early May and the team still has 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger on the depth chart, likely as the third stringer.

Whether it's Minshew or Richardson getting the start in the regular season opener, either signal-caller will have a tall task in getting Indianapolis back to relevancy. The Colts are coming off of their worst season since 2017, finishing 2022 with a 4-12-1 record.

Fortunately, the offense has some weapons to work with, led by the league's leading rusher from 2021 in Jonathan Taylor. The one-time Pro Bowler, first team All-Pro and prime bounce back candidate is joined by star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and promising second-year wideout Alec Pierce, who had 593 receiving yards as a rookie last year.

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