The Indianapolis Colts have yet to name a starter as their preseason battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones remains unresolved heading into the end of August. The ongoing competition between these two quarterbacks has drawn considerable attention, with neither player clearly pulling ahead following recent practice sessions and preseason performances.
Coach Shane Steichen indicated the team may wait until after their final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 23 to make a decision, reflecting the close nature of the contest for the Colts’ quarterback spot. This delay prolongs answers for fans and analysts eager to know who will lead the Colts’ offense during the 2024 NFL season.
Practice and Preseason Games Show a Balanced Contest
During a joint practice session with the Green Bay Packers, the Colts’ offense struggled throughout, managing just one touchdown in 24 plays from inside the 15-yard line. James Boyd of The Athletic noted that neither quarterback conclusively stood out during this session, as Indianapolis faced constant pressure and defensive dominance from the Packers.
“Indianapolis, which struggled mightily on offense throughout the day, managed just one touchdown on 24 plays from about the 15-yard line and in,”
Boyd wrote, describing the Colts’ difficulties. He went on to highlight that Daniel Jones was unable to lead the offense into the end zone, while Anthony Richardson threw a short touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on his final red zone play. Boyd added,
“Save for that final two-minute drill led by Richardson, the Colts offense was overwhelmed by the Packers defense for the majority of the two-hour practice. Richardson finished 9-of-20 passing with one touchdown and one interception. Jones was 13-of-16 with two interceptions and zero touchdowns.”
Impact of Richardson’s Injury on the QB Battle
Richardson’s recent performance has been complicated by a dislocated right pinkie he suffered during the Colts’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on August 7. After the injury, Daniel Jones had a chance to showcase his capabilities but ultimately did not cement his claim to the starting role. In that game, Jones completed 10-of-21 passes for 144 yards without scoring a touchdown or throwing an interception. The Colts’ offense struggled overall in that matchup, reflecting broader challenges around the quarterback competition.
Coaching Staff Await Further Clarity Before Naming Starter
Head coach Shane Steichen has been transparent about the uncertainty surrounding his quarterback choice. He emphasized that the upcoming preseason game and subsequent practices will play a crucial role in the final decision.
“We got a preseason game (Saturday), we have some practices next week and we’ll work through that,”
Steichen said regarding the ongoing quarterback situation. He continued,
“I don’t have an exact timetable on it, but sooner rather than later would be nice. …I want to see how this thing plays out on Saturday, and we’ll see early into next week and see where it goes.”
This cautious approach underlines the importance the coaching staff places on fully evaluating both players before committing to a starter for Week 1, ensuring the team makes the most informed choice possible.
Betting Markets Reflect the Narrow Margin Between Quarterbacks
As of the last update, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Anthony Richardson as a -245 favorite to start over Daniel Jones, who was given +186 odds to claim the Week 1 starting role against the Miami Dolphins on September 7. These odds illustrate a slight edge for Richardson but underscore the uncertainty still surrounding the Colts’ quarterback situation. How these odds evolve following the final preseason game and additional practices will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
What Lies Ahead for the Colts’ QB Competition
The narrow competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones leaves the Colts with an important decision that could shape their season’s outlook. With Richardson recovering from injury and Jones striving to capitalize on every opportunity, the Colts face a critical evaluation period in the final preseason days. How the team balances potential, experience, and current form will determine who takes control of the offense moving forward.
This quarterback decision also carries expanded significance given Indianapolis’s aspirations for improvement in the competitive AFC South and the broader NFL landscape. The final choice of starter may influence the team’s offensive identity and fan expectations as the regular season approaches.