Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson will both see substantial playing time in the team’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday at M&T Bank Stadium. Steichen indicated that although the starting quarterback for the game has not yet been announced, each will receive significant snaps spread across two preseason contests.
The Colts plan to use Thursday’s preseason game and the following one against the Green Bay Packers on August 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium to evaluate both quarterbacks’ performance on the field. This approach allows the coaching staff to carefully assess how each player handles game situations and specific scenarios, advancing the decision on who will lead the team in the 2025 regular season.
Game Plan for Splitting Playing Time Between Quarterbacks
Coach Steichen explained the strategy behind the distribution of playing time between Jones and Richardson in preseason games. The Colts have been deliberate in granting both quarterbacks equal reps with the first-team offense during training camp practices, especially in critical situations such as red zone offense, third downs, and two-minute drills. However, achieving a balanced approach in a single game is challenging, prompting a split of snaps over two contests.
One will play a good amount this game and the other will play a good amount next game,
Steichen said.
Steichen has maintained there is no fixed timetable for selecting the starting quarterback, emphasizing the importance of evaluating performance continuously throughout training camp and preseason games. The next three weeks include crucial opportunities for assessment, featuring joint practices and games that will provide further clarity on the quarterback competition.
Key Dates in Colts’ Upcoming Preseason Schedule
Several milestones are lined up for the Colts’ summer evaluation period. After the joint practice with the Ravens on August 5 and the preseason game against them on August 7, the team will engage in another joint practice with the Packers on August 14, followed by the preseason contest on August 16. The preseason will conclude with a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 23.
Steichen underscored that the entire process, including practice reps, walkthroughs, and meetings, counts toward the final decision. He reiterated the significance of every detail in the evaluation process.
I think it all matters, it all counts,
Steichen said.
Every rep matters, every walkthrough matters, every meeting matters. It all matters. Everything’s being evaluated.
Injury Updates and Team Dynamics During Training Camp
Training camp has seen some concerns regarding player health. Running back Salvon Ahmed suffered a serious leg injury during an 11-on-11 live tackling drill, tackled from behind by safety Trey Washington near the end zone. This incident occurred during a developmental practice period designed to provide live tackling experience for third and fourth-string players.
Coach Steichen expressed empathy regarding Ahmed’s injury and addressed the tackling style involved.
We don’t encourage hip drop tackles,
Steichen said.
I know Trey’s down in the dumps and I don’t think he’s trying to do that. We’re just trying to create an edge is what I’m trying to get done, especially in developmental, those guys are going to have to tackle come preseason.
Demonstrating strong team solidarity, quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. was the first to attend to Ahmed, while running back Jonathan Taylor stayed with him until medical staff arrived. Safety Cam Bynum then gathered the whole team to pray over Ahmed.
I thought it was tremendous, the team camaraderie that our guys have and Cam praying over him with the whole team there,
Steichen remarked.
Just shows the tightness of this group as it comes together. It’s a new year with new faces, and guys coming together, I think it shows a lot, just the closeness of this team right now.
Meanwhile, cornerback Charvarius Ward and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (who is sidelined due to a groin injury) did not participate in recent practices. The Colts’ defensive line, however, had a notably disruptive day, with defensive ends Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Laiatu Latu, along with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and safety Cam Bynum pressuring the quarterback consistently during drills. Bynum also had a pass breakup during 11-on-11 sessions.
Cornerbacks Justin Walley and Kenny Moore II also contributed with tight coverage forcing incompletions. Quarterback Daniel Jones completed several impressive throws in practice, including deep passes to wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Anthony Gould. Richardson matched that efficiency by connecting with multiple receivers and even throwing a touchdown following a strong pocket presence.
Other notable performances included center Tanor Bortolini’s effective blocking that helped spring a screen pass to tight end Mo Alie-Cox.
Emerging Player Highlights and Training Camp Progress
The Colts’ training camp continues to reveal progress and promising performances beyond the quarterbacks. Rookie cornerback Justin Walley and first-round tight end Tyler Warren have both impressed coaches in early practices, showing readiness to contribute in the upcoming season.
Veteran players like linebacker Zaire Franklin returned from ankle surgery recently, rejoining the team’s trajectory toward full health. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, no longer considered a rookie, has demonstrated growing poise and confidence in camp drills, making several notable plays that reflect skill development.
Defensive end Laiatu Latu, in his second NFL year, remains committed to improving his game for the Colts’ defense under coordinator Lou Anarumo, embodying a strong work ethic on the practice field.
Implications for the Colts’ 2025 Starting Quarterback Decision
The Colts’ preseason strategy indicates a patient and thorough approach toward determining the starting quarterback for the regular season opener on September 7 against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. The coaching staff’s emphasis on equal opportunities for Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson reflects the competitive nature of the quarterback battle and a desire to evaluate performance under realistic game conditions.
The decision will likely depend on both preseason performances and the quarterbacks’ ability to execute in high-pressure situations during training camp and upcoming joint practices. The Colts seem poised to weigh every detail before making a final call, emphasizing team chemistry and consistency as crucial factors.
With multiple evaluation points across the next several weeks, Colts fans can expect both Jones and Richardson to demonstrate their skills fully, keeping the quarterback competition lively and closely watched as the regular season approaches.