The Indianapolis Colts faced the Baltimore Ravens this week for their first joint practice and preseason game, with the Colts falling 24-16. During this period, the ongoing quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones took center stage, especially after Richardson suffered an unfortunate injury that has complicated the Colts’ quarterback situation.
The Colts traveled east to Baltimore where both quarterbacks showed differing performances that will influence the team‘s decision on who leads as QB1 next season. Richardson started the game but exited early due to injury, while Jones gained more playing time, making his case for the starting role in 2025.
Anthony Richardson’s promising practice overshadowed by frustrating injury
During the joint practice sessions, Anthony Richardson impressed with his accuracy and decisiveness, completing 10 of 13 passes (76.9%) against Baltimore’s strong defense. Key completions to receivers Alec Pierce and AD Mitchell kept the Colts’ offense moving efficiently, suggesting Richardson was building momentum in the quarterback battle.
However, the optimism was short-lived during the preseason game when Richardson, after opening with a solid 2-of-3 passes for 21 yards, was blindsided by a free blitz that led to a sack and a dislocated pinky on his right hand. This injury forced him out after only six plays, reigniting concerns about his availability and on-field awareness.
The finger injury itself is not expected to be severe, but the circumstances highlighting Richardson’s failure to recognize the blitz have raised significant doubts. This play exposed the areas where Richardson still needs growth, particularly in making quicker, routine reads expected from a quarterback entering his third professional year.
Though Richardson showed plenty of promise in practice, his inability to stay healthy or avoid costly mistakes during the game leaves uncertainty about his reliability as the Colts’ consistent starting quarterback. The injury has cast a shadow over what could have been a defining moment for him in the competition.
Daniel Jones capitalizes on opportunity despite inconsistent game performance
Daniel Jones also turned in a solid day in practice, completing 14 of 17 attempts (82.4%) mainly targeting rookie Tyler Warren. Although Jones’ practice session lacked the flash of big plays seen from Richardson, he did lead an efficient two-minute drill that narrowly missed ending in a long field goal.
Jones was thrust into extended preseason play after Richardson’s injury, but his game performance was mixed. He completed just 10 of 21 passes (47.6%) for 144 yards against Baltimore’s second-team defense, leading the Colts to only six points. His accuracy wavered, though he made some sharp throws to Warren, Mitchell, and Ashton Dulin.
Jones’s scoring opportunity was further hampered when a touchdown pass to Dulin was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty on Drew Ogletree. While nothing about Jones’ outing was particularly noteworthy, his steadiness and ability to avoid costly errors strengthened his standing in the competition, especially in contrast to Richardson’s injury setback.
Shifting dynamics in the Colts’ quarterback rivalry
Prior to this week, Anthony Richardson held a clear edge as the Colts’ presumed starter, with steady improvements in accuracy and a strong command of the offense during training camp. Coaches had praised Richardson’s development, and Daniel Jones, despite solid play, had not yet done enough to decisively challenge Richardson’s lead.
Richardson’s injury and the mistake that caused it, however, have intensified concerns about his availability and decision-making. Daniel Jones’s ability to remain on the field and make better reads during the preseason game against Baltimore’s backups has likely narrowed the gap between the two quarterbacks.
The Colts’ coaching staff has emphasized that consistency and availability will determine who secures the starting quarterback position. Jones’s steadiness, even without a spectacular performance, challenges Richardson’s position, particularly given the young quarterback’s recurring injury issues.
How long Richardson will be sidelined by his finger injury remains unclear. Yet, time away from the field could severely impact his chances to stay competitive in the quarterback battle. To remain in contention, Richardson must demonstrate the ability to stay healthy and execute the offensive game plan effectively.
If Richardson cannot maintain his presence and precision, Daniel Jones is poised to become the Colts’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season, marking a critical turning point in the team’s quarterback future.