Colts OC shares strong challenge for Anthony Richardson Sr., Riley Leonard amid Daniel Jones' recovery

While fourth-year Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. recently reported to the team for voluntary workouts, the perception exists that 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard is the favorite to emerge as the primary backup for starter Daniel Jones.

Jones is still recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered this past December, and it's unknown when he will be cleared to make a full return to practice. With Jones' status for training camp still up in the air, Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter recently offered a challenge to Richardson and Leonard for upcoming workouts. 

Colts to Anthony Richardson Sr., Riley Leonard: May the best man win

"I think with every position, may the best man win, so whether you’re a starter or a primary backup or carving out a role for a certain spot or position that could help us on Sundays, we love competition. We preach competition," Cooter said about the battle for the QB2 job, per Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star. "If you earn something around here, you should take advantage of that with that role." 

Richardson seemingly has no value as a tradable asset this spring, and there's no indication the Colts want to cut him a handful of years after they made him the fourth overall pick of the 2023 draft. While a healthy Jones should make a return to the top of the depth chart at some point later this year, the Colts have nothing to lose in seeing if Richardson can impress from now through August preseason games. 

Anthony Richardson Sr. is needed by Colts this offseason

Eventually, a team that finds itself needing a quarterback this summer could call the Colts about Richardson's availability. For now, teammates such as wide receiver Josh Downs seem to be glad that Richardson is back with the Colts for voluntary workouts. 

"It’s good to have (Anthony) back in here," Downs recently said. "He’s a good player. He’s got a really good attitude as well. He’s in here joking around, but he’s also working. I’m excited to see him back in here with a smile on his face and just going to work. AR is needed, and we appreciate him."

How much longer Richardson is "needed" by the Colts shall be seen.