Anthony Richardson, entering his third NFL season, is confronting uncertainty regarding his future as the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback. Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon recently emphasized the need for urgency as Richardson faces competition to solidify his position.
Team Leadership Comments on Richardson’s Development and Challenges
In an in-depth discussion covered by Colts reporter JJ Stankevitz, Irsay-Gordon highlighted Richardson’s current standing as a young player under contract and the opportunity he still holds to prove himself. She stated,
“Where he is in his career and in his deal as a rookie, we still have time. He still has time to prove it. …Bring a sense of urgency. And nothing brings a sense of urgency more than competition.”
—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts CEO
Performance Struggles and Injury Setbacks Define Early Career
Selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson’s rookie season and sophomore campaign have been marked by inconsistent play and physical setbacks. Injuries limited him to only 15 starts out of 32 possible games over two years. Last fall, when he removed himself from a game citing fatigue, Richardson briefly became part of trade speculation, further clouding his future with the Colts.
Statistical measures from Pro Football Reference reveal his struggles, with Richardson finishing the 2024 season with a passer rating of 61.6 and a completion percentage of just 47.7%, ranking lowest among qualified NFL quarterbacks. These metrics have fueled doubts about his ability to serve as a reliable starting quarterback long-term.
Colts Prepare a Contingency with New Acquisition Daniel Jones
In light of Richardson’s uncertain status, Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen took proactive steps by signing veteran quarterback Daniel Jones during free agency. This move occurred well before Richardson was sidelined due to pain in his surgically repaired shoulder late in May. Jones’s presence signals that the team is ready to shift gears if Richardson cannot fully recover or regain form.
Preseason Outlook and Competition for Starting Job
Current betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook indicate Richardson as the favorite (-130) to be the Week 1 starter against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, with Jones positioned as an underdog (+102). These predictions suggest Richardson is expected to be physically ready for the Colts’ preseason opener versus the Baltimore Ravens on August 7. However, how his shoulder handles the preparation for this matchup remains uncertain, and any further setbacks could threaten his hold on the starting role.
Implications of Richardson’s Development for Colts’ Season
The outcome of Richardson’s offseason recovery and preseason performance will shape the Colts’ strategy at quarterback moving into the 2024 season. With competition intensifying, the team’s leadership has emphasized urgency and accountability. Richardson’s capacity to prove he can overcome injuries and improve his inconsistent play will determine whether he remains the franchise’s starting quarterback or cedes the position to Jones.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Anthony Richardson healthy?
A. Reports suggest that Anthony Richardson, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, has bounced back from an injury and will compete for the starting role against Daniel Jones. At 23 years old, Richardson had undergone surgery during the 2023 season for a sprain in the AC joint of his throwing shoulder.
Q. How long did Anthony Richardson’s tattoo take?
A. Anthony Richardson, a well-known player for the Indianapolis Colts, spent 7 hours under anesthesia to get a large tattoo on his back. This tattoo shows his love for God and gambling. The design features an angel, a roulette wheel, a Spartan, and a lion.
Q. Does Anthony Richardson need surgery?
A. The doctor said no more surgery is needed. Richardson’s return restarts the quarterback competition with former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones, aiming to revive his career in Indianapolis.
Q. Why was Anthony Richardson tired?
A. The quarterback mentioned he took a break because he felt exhausted from running in earlier plays. “I was tired, I won’t deny it,” Richardson explained after the game, according to Joel Erickson of USA Today. “I did a lot of running, and I didn’t think I could manage another play. I needed some rest at that point.”