Richardson’s Turnover Troubles Deepen Questions About Colts QB Future

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 11 of 14 passes with an 80.1 rating during Thursday’s preseason opener, statistics that mask significant concerns about his performance. Richardson orchestrated a second-quarter touchdown drive highlighted by an 18-yard completion, a 9-yard screen pass and a 1-yard scoring sneak, demonstrating his athletic capabilities. However, the promising numbers obscure what will occupy coach Shane Steichen’s attention during film review: two costly turnovers.

Richardson threw an interception on his third pass of the game and fumbled during the second quarter, lapses that underscore persistent questions about his readiness after three NFL seasons. The turnovers exemplify a broader pattern of inconsistency since the Colts selected Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft, when general manager Chris Ballard weighed his limited college experience—13 starts at Florida—against his exceptional physical tools and arm strength.

The quarterback’s professional trajectory has deteriorated markedly since that optimistic beginning. Richardson started only four games as a rookie before a shoulder injury ended his season, then opened 2024 as the Colts’ starter with mixed results. He rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns but completed just 47.7 percent of his passing attempts with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions, even briefly surrendering the starting job.

Richardson’s situation worsened considerably during the offseason when Indianapolis signed Daniel Jones as a free agent competitor and Jones secured the starting position decisively. Richardson subsequently suffered injury while working with stretch bands before the 2025 season, forcing the Colts to turn to backup options Riley Leonard and veteran Philip Rivers.

Now 24 years old, Richardson is no longer viewed as the franchise’s future at quarterback but rather competes with Leonard for the backup role behind Jones. Neither Leonard nor Richardson has impressed during preseason action, with Leonard also throwing an interception early in the second half. The Colts’ quarterback stability now depends heavily on Jones remaining healthy throughout the season.