The Indianapolis Colts kicked off their 2025 training camp with the first practice held at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. The session marked the initial confrontation between quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as they competed for the starting role, highlighting the ongoing quarterback battle early on.
Overview of Team Health and Participation
The Colts entered camp in excellent health, with no players listed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list. The only absence was linebacker Zaire Franklin, who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is expected to miss some early practice time. Overall, the team‘s injury situation remains stable as they begin preparations for the season.
Offensive Focus and Quarterback Performance
The offense concentrated on running plays, run-pass options (RPOs), and managing first and second down situations during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. While the player order generally rotates, Daniel Jones opened the 11-on-11 sessions at quarterback. Both Jones and Richardson received three drives each with the first team.
Jones performed efficiently, completing 7 of 8 passes (87.5%) in full-team drills, connecting with receivers Anthony Gould (2 catches), Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, and running back Salvon Ahmed. He also caught a deflected pass off defensive tackle Grover Stewart. Notably, Jones’ top play was a deep “go ball” down the left sideline to Gould, resulting in approximately a 30-yard gain. However, he also threw an intercepted pass during 7-on-7 drills when cornerback Kenny Moore II intercepted a late throw intended for Josh Downs.
In contrast, Anthony Richardson struggled during these sessions, completing only 4 of 11 passes (36.4%) in 11-on-11 drills. Receiver drops contributed to his difficulties, with Michael Pittman Jr., Jonathan Taylor, and Ashton Dulin each dropping a catchable pass. Richardson found success connecting with Pittman twice, as well as Pierce and Gould once each.
After practice, Colts head coach Shane Steichen mentioned they plan to limit Richardson’s passing volume early in camp, primarily by reducing his throws during positional drills rather than in full-team scenarios. Richardson referenced his offseason shoulder surgery and expressed disappointment over the weeks he was sidelined, noting that occasional soreness in the repaired shoulder remains part of his routine.
Defensive Unit and Emerging Players
Besides the quarterback contest, competition for defensive roles drew attention. Third-round rookie cornerback Justin Walley secured most of the first-team reps opposite Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore II, a position initially expected to be held by Jaylon Jones, who instead saw time with the second defensive group alongside JuJu Brents. Cameron McGrone stepped in at the MIKE linebacker spot replacing Franklin for first-team snaps. Joe Bachie and Austin Ajiake also got opportunities at this position during practice.
The defense actively challenged the passing game. Grover Stewart’s bat-down and Kenny Moore II’s interception set the tone early. Charvarius Ward disrupted a pass from Jones intended for Michael Pittman Jr. over the middle, while Joe Bachie deflected a pass between Tyler Warren and the receiver. Austin Ajiake also broke up a fast ball thrown by Jones during 7-on-7 drills.
Special Teams Activity and Kickoff Rotation
Special teams work was limited to a short segment focused on kickoffs. A robust rotation of returners was utilized, featuring Anthony Gould, Tyler Goodson, DJ Giddens, Ashton Dulin, D.J. Montgomery, Coleman Owen, AD Mitchell, and Khalil Herbert in sequence. This coverage highlights the team‘s depth and experimentation on kickoff returns early in camp.
Significance of Early Quarterback Battle and Next Steps
The first day underscored Daniel Jones’ control over the starting quarterback competition, with his precise passing and strong connection with receivers standing out. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson’s struggles signal a cautious approach moving forward, with limited throwing volume to protect his surgically repaired shoulder while continuing to develop timing and ball security with his targets. The Colts’ healthy roster provides a strong foundation for early camp practices as various position battles unfold, with the quarterback competition and defensive roles especially drawing attention.
As the camp progresses, it is expected that head coach Shane Steichen will carefully manage Richardson’s workload to balance recovery and development, while also tracking how Jones maintains his efficient first-team play. The continued evaluations will shape the Colts’ starting lineup and personnel decisions heading into preseason games and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Anthony Richardson healthy?
A. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is said to be healthy again after an injury. He is now set to challenge Daniel Jones for the starting position. Richardson, who is 23 years old, had to stop playing in the 2023 season due to surgery on an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder.
Q. How long did Anthony Richardson’s tattoo take?
A. Anthony Richardson, a standout player for the Indianapolis Colts, spent seven hours under anesthesia to get a large back tattoo. The artwork reflects his passion for God and gambling. It features an angel, a roulette wheel, a Spartan, and a lion.
Q. Does Anthony Richardson need surgery?
A. The doctor stated that there was no need for an additional surgery. With Richardson coming back, the quarterback competition between him and former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones, who aims to restart his career in Indianapolis, can begin again.
Q. Why was Anthony Richardson tired?
A. The quarterback mentioned he took a break because he felt exhausted after running around in previous plays. “I’m not going to lie, I was tired,” Richardson stated after the game, according to Joel Erickson of USA Today. “I had done a lot of running, and didn’t think I could keep going for the next play. I needed to rest for a moment.”