Colts name starting QB for preseason opener vs. Ravens

Anthony Richardson has missed a chunk of the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback competition, seeing more shoulder trouble shelving him during minicamp. But the third-year passer returned in time for training camp, keeping him in step with Daniel Jones in this battle.

Although Jones was viewed as more likely to win the job thanks to Richardson’s latest absence, the ex-New York Giant has not distanced himself here. He will now take a backseat to the younger passer to open the preseason. Shane Steichen said Tuesday, via ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder, that Richardson will start Indianapolis’ preseason opener Thursday. Jones will make the start in the Colts’ second preseason game.

Richardson will play roughly a quarter and a half, Steichen said (via the Indianapolis Star’s Nate Atkins), while Jones will finish that stanza. That order will flip against the Green Bay Packers next week. This does not yet represent a missed opportunity for Jones, as the Colts have a vested interest in giving Richardson reps. Still, the high-profile import has not created separation in this matchup during camp.

Neither player has looked overly impressive, per Holder, who notes both QBs have shown inconsistency in line with their careers to date. The Colts signed Jones after Richardson’s historically inaccurate 2024 season, one that also featured the memorable tap-out sequence that affected the dual-threat player’s standing in the locker room. The Colts had also deemed Richardson’s preparation methods insufficient, leading to an in-season benching for the since-departed Joe Flacco. Jones, 28, is a much younger option and was believed to enter camp as the more likely starter. After minicamp, the former No. 6 overall pick was believed to hold a “significant” lead for the job.

Richardson had recovered a bit before camp and did not start camp on the active/PUP list, bringing a good sign he could at least threaten Jones, who landed a $14M deal ($13.15M guaranteed). That checks in north of backup money, but the Colts, seeing Richardson's strides, would naturally be encouraged given what the organization has sunk into the one-year Florida starter. Richardson has probably not seen enough game action for a final determination, missing 13 contests as a rookie and six last season. But time is running out, after he finished with a ghastly 47.7% completion rate last season.

Benched and then quickly released by the Giants midway through last season, Jones landed with the Vikings’ practice squad but rejected a free agency offer to stay, thanks mainly to the Colts' opportunity, providing a better chance to start. Jones has operated “neck and neck” with Richardson, per The Athletic’s James Boyd. This standing could be perceived as a slight to Jones, given his significant experience edge.

Jones would certainly offer more stability compared to the erratic Richardson, but the ceiling disparity between the two is also important here. The upcoming games against the Ravens and Packers will go a long way toward determining which arm Steichen chooses for Week 1. However, this competition will almost definitely carry into the season. The possibility of benchings certainly looms considering the two passers’ profiles.