The Indianapolis Colts are planning to hold a competition for their starting quarterback job between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones, but it sounds like the latter has already gotten a bit of a head start.
Richardson did not participate in mandatory minicamp this week due to soreness in his throwing shoulder, which was surgically repaired in 2023. That left all of the first-team reps to Jones, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says the veteran took full advantage of the opportunity.
During a Saturday appearance on "SportsCenter," Fowler said he was told Jones looked "very sharp" during Indy's three-day minicamp.
"Daniel Jones, making his move a little bit in minicamp, taking those first-team reps with Anthony Richardson resting his shoulder," the reporter said. "Richardson plans to be back for training camp for that battle, but I was told Jones was a fast processor at the line of scrimmage, good chemistry with his receivers. He was quote 'very sharp' as it was told to me in minicamp as the guy."
Minicamp roundup on @SportsCenter
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 14, 2025
-J.J. McCarthy progress, #Vikings’ three-year plan
-Daniel Jones makes most of extra reps
-What’s next for McLaurin, Wilson, Sauce deals
-Browns QB workload
(With @SkubieMageza) pic.twitter.com/x0tYjz10ff
Jones signed a one-year, $14M contract with the Colts in March. Many people already believed he would beat out Richardson, who has struggled to remain healthy since Indianapolis drafted him with the fourth overall pick in 2023.
Richardson is reportedly dealing with aggravation in the same AC joint he injured during his rookie season. The belief is that he will be cleared for training camp after doctors told him he does not need another surgery.
The Giants moved on from Jones last year after he completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards with just eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 games.
Richardson completed just 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 11 games last season.
Even if Richardson does make it back for training camp, his health will continue to be a question mark. The fact that Jones has already looked sharp with his new team does not bode well for Richardson's chances of winning the starting job.
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