Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced a revised game plan for the team’s second preseason contest against the Green Bay Packers, scheduled for Saturday. Daniel Jones will start the game and take the initial series, with rookie Anthony Richardson Sr. entering to finish the first half. This adjustment reflects the team’s focus on managing playing time while evaluating both quarterbacks during the preseason.
Background on Changes to Quarterback Playing Time
Steichen’s announcement marks a shift from the original scheme where Richardson was slated to handle the majority of the first quarter and part of the second in the Colts’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, with Jones stepping in during the latter part of that game’s second quarter. The plan then was for the two quarterbacks to reverse those roles against Green Bay, giving Jones more snaps in the first half.
However, Richardson’s dislocated pinkie in the Ravens game, which limited him to only seven snaps before exiting, led the Colts to reconsider their preseason strategy. Because Jones took over most of the first half in that opener, the coaching staff decided to rebalance playing time for the upcoming game.
Equal Reps for Quarterbacks with Starting Offense Set for First Time
This new approach ensures both Jones and Richardson start a game and receive approximately even playing time, continuing the Colts’ deliberate plan to provide fair opportunities during the ongoing quarterback competition. Remarkably, both quarterbacks are expected to operate with the first-team offense concurrently for the first time in a preseason contest, as Steichen indicated that most starters on both sides of the ball are expected to play roughly one quarter.
There’s certain guys that we’ll have a plan for,
Steichen explained.
But for the most part, those guys will play.
Steichen maintained that the evaluation of quarterbacks extends beyond just game action, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the competition.
We got a joint practice, we got this week, we got this week and possibly next week,
he said.
And we’ll see how this thing plays out.
He also emphasized that no official decision on the starting quarterback role has been made yet.
Injuries and Practice Highlights Leading to Game Day
Sunday’s practice saw several notable developments affecting the Colts’ roster. Cornerback Kenny Moore II and wide receiver Alec Pierce both left practice early due to injuries—a knee injury for Moore and a groin injury for Pierce. Additionally, safety Nick Cross (hip flexor) and defensive end Kwity Paye (groin) were absent from practice.
Despite these setbacks, tight end Will Mallory showed promising chemistry by catching multiple passes from both Jones and Richardson during team drills. Richardson made an impressive connection during the first team 11-on-11 drill, throwing a deep pass to Pierce along the sidelines, where Pierce successfully beat cornerback Johnathan Edwards to secure the catch.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner also stood out with a strong pass rush during 11-on-11 periods. Meanwhile, Jones demonstrated his precision in a red zone team segment, tossing touchdown-receiving passes to wide receivers Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell, further showcasing the depth of the Colts’ offensive weapons.
Implications of the Preseason Quarterback Plan Going Forward
This adjusted game plan reflects the Colts’ careful balancing act as they navigate their quarterback competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr. With both players receiving considerable playing time alongside starting offensive personnel, the team aims to make the best-informed evaluation before naming a starter. The continued focus on equal reps speaks to the intensity and closeness of the contest.
The closest weeks of training camp and preseason action remain crucial, with joint practices and upcoming games providing more insight into how the Colts will shape their offensive identity for the regular season. The coaching staff’s composed approach indicates no rush to finalize quarterback decisions, instead prioritizing readiness and full assessment.
Additional Training Camp Updates and Player Notes
The Colts’ training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana, continues to be a showcase for emerging talent and depth chart battles beyond the quarterback position. Rookie cornerback Hunter Wohler made headlines with two interceptions, including one off Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during a joint practice. This performance adds competition to a cornerback group already adjusting following the season-ending ACL injury to Justin Walley.
The wide receiver corps also displayed growth, with Adonai Mitchell showing increased poise and confidence throughout camp. Meanwhile, veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin returned to practice after recovering from ankle surgery, signaling strengthened depth in the linebacker unit that missed his presence in spring training.
Running back D.J. Giddens, a 2025 fifth-round pick, has impressed coaching staff and continues to vie for meaningful snaps behind starter Jonathan Taylor. His development will be key as the Colts seek balance in their rushing attack.
Engagement and Scheduling Moving Forward
As training camp progresses, the Colts are maintaining fan engagement through ticket sales for the 2025 season, including single-game tickets and opportunities to attend preseason matchups. The team’s official communications and digital platforms continue providing updates on roster moves, practice notebooks, and training camp notes to keep followers connected.
With the Colts’ next game against the Green Bay Packers imminent, attention will focus on the on-field execution of Shane Steichen’s latest game plan and the performances of Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. This game represents a pivotal moment in determining the Colts’ quarterback landscape heading into the regular season.