Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen informed reporters after Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Green Bay Packers that he is approaching a final decision on who will start as the team’s quarterback. The competition has been between young quarterback Anthony Richardson and veteran Daniel Jones, who have both been contenders for the role since the offseason. The choice of the starting QB is critical for the Colts as the regular season approaches.

Competition Between Richardson and Jones Intensifies

Richardson, a third-year quarterback, and Jones, an experienced pro, have been in a close battle throughout training camp. Steichen remarked,

“I’ll say that. I’m very close.”

—Shane Steichen, Head Coach. Richardson began last week’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens but exited early after suffering a dislocated pinkie while failing to identify a blitz. Despite this injury, he participated in the following game, where Jones was the starting quarterback.

Deciding Factors for Week 1 Starter

Steichen revealed that several elements will influence his decision for Week 1, emphasizing the importance of game management and teamwork. He said,

“The operation, the communication in the huddle, the checks, getting guys on the same page. The consistency of all that, obviously, is going to play a big factor in this.”

—Shane Steichen, Head Coach. This highlights that beyond physical talent, the Colts are looking for a quarterback who can lead effectively and maintain reliability in decision-making on the field.

Balancing Draft Capital and Performance in Camp

Although Daniel Jones held a perceived slight edge after organized team activities, the training camp competition has remained tight. Richardson has continued to face challenges related to his earlier career struggles such as accuracy issues, limited experience, and occasional injuries. Steichen acknowledged the dynamic between both players, stating,

“You’ve got two first-round draft picks, and when they both came in, I made it very clear that this is going to be a battle, and they’re going to compete for the job,”

and added,

“And, like I said, I’m going to make the decision I feel is best for the team.”

—Shane Steichen, Head Coach.

Anthony Richardson’s Background and Recent Performance

Richardson, 23, declared early for the NFL Draft following his redshirt sophomore season at Florida in 2022, where he served as a full-time starter. The Colts selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $36.9 million, including a signing bonus of $23.8 million. The 2023 season placed a $6.7 million cap figure on him, with the Colts holding a fifth-year option to decide on in 2026.

Last season, Richardson’s rookie year was cut short due to season-ending shoulder surgery to repair an AC joint injury sustained in Week 5. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 11 games, completing 47.7 percent of his passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also made significant contributions on the ground with 499 rushing yards and six touchdowns across 86 carries.

Daniel Jones’ Journey to the Colts

Jones, now 27, was drafted sixth overall by the New York Giants out of Duke University in the 2019 NFL Draft. He completed a four-year rookie contract worth $25.7 million, including a signing bonus of $16.7 million. The Giants opted not to exercise his fifth-year option prior to the 2022 season. After his contract ended, Jones signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million extension with New York in 2023 but was eventually released after being benched.

Following his release, Jones briefly joined the Minnesota Vikings‘ practice squad before signing a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts for the 2025 season. In the 2024 campaign, Jones played 10 games for the Giants, completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 2,070 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed 67 times for 265 yards and two touchdowns.

Implications for the Colts’ Upcoming Season

The decision between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones holds major significance for the Colts’ offensive outlook. Choosing a starting quarterback will impact team chemistry, strategy, and overall performance. Steichen’s reflective approach suggests he prioritizes readiness, leadership, and consistency as he finalizes the Week 1 roster. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the preseason concludes and the regular season beckons.

The Colts’ quarterback situation will continue to evolve, with updates expected in the coming days as more information becomes available.