Colts HC Shane Steichen nearing decision on team's starting QB

When speaking to the media on Saturday following the Colts’ loss to the Packers, head coach Shane Steichen said he is “very close” to naming a starter for the beginning of the 2025 campaign. Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson each saw action today, with both attempting 11 passes during the game. That adds to the performances each have submitted throughout the summer.

“I’ve seen obviously three weeks of it,” Steichen said (via Fox59’s Mike Chappell) when speaking about the ongoing contest. “I’d like to have a decision here shortly. Yeah, I feel pretty clean when I make that decision. Again, when I make this decision, I’m going to do what I feel is best for this football team.”

Jones — added in free agency on a one-year deal as the Colts’ target for a veteran capable of competing with Richardson for the QB1 gig — held a “significant” lead in the competition before training camp began. Richardson managed to rehab his latest shoulder injury in time to start Indianapolis’ preseason opener, but a dislocated finger limited his time in that contest. The fourth overall pick in 2023’s draft has played just 15 regular-season games to date, and his showings in that span have fallen well short of expectations.

After relying on Gardner Minshew and Joe Flacco as veteran insurance the past two years, the Colts will lean on Jones to at least serve as an experienced fill-in option. The former Giants top-10 pick flamed out of New York last year, but landing the starting position would allow for a fresh start. Jones, 28, secured over $13M fully guaranteed when signing with Indianapolis. That figure confirmed his status as a genuine contender for first-team responsibilities on his new squad, and it will be interesting to see if Jones will at least begin the season atop the depth chart.

The Colts have missed the playoffs for four straight seasons, and Steichen’s tenure as head coach (starting in 2023) has yielded a 17-17 record. Finding long-term stability under center will be critical for the franchise – and, quite possibly, Steichen’s job security – but consistent play in the immediate future will be highly important as well. Clarity on how the 2025 campaign will be approached could emerge soon.