Colts rookie QB has brutally tough task ahead

Richardson's job may be the toughest of all 32 NFL starting signal-callers once Week 1 kicks off next week, however.

The Colts still have time to make moves to improve their offense and in turn, help the 21-year-old's chances at finding immediate success, but it certainly looks like the group could trot out one of the ugliest units on paper this fall.

Despite playing only one full season at the University of Florida before the spring's NFL Draft, some experts see Richardson as the quarterback with the most potential from the class of 2023. The fourth overall pick is likely to see more downs than ups as a rookie with the way things look now though.

Not only is former All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor out at least through Week 4, but his future with the franchise is up in the air, to say the least. Indianapolis' projected backup running back Zack Moss suffered a broken arm in July and is questionable for the season-opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10. Third in line is undrafted Duke product Deon Jackson, who has all of 81 rushing attempts over 25 games in his two seasons.

The Colts will surely bring in some bodies to help provide insurance in the wide receivers' room, but right now, having only three names on the projected depth chart is stunning.

At the head of the pack is former second-round pick Michael Pittman Jr., a certifiable WR1 who has registered 227 catches for 2,510 receiving yards and 11 scores over his first three years despite shoddy quarterback play. Behind him is Alec Pierce, a promising second-year pro who had 593 receiving yards last season but is more fit to be a third or fourth option at this early stage in his career.

Rookie third-round pick Josh Downs is currently slated to join Pittman Jr. and Pierce in starting three-wide sets, showing how badly Richardson needs some more help.

Furthermore, the group is about to take the field under a first-year head coach in Shane Steichen and was one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2022, finishing with their fewest wins since 2017 by going 4-12-1.