Anthony Richardson gave the Colts a reminder of why his name still carries so much intrigue, but it may not have changed the one thing he wants most.
The former No. 4 overall pick completed 7 of 10 passes for 80 yards in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, taking just one sack and showing a calmer, cleaner version of himself. Early in the first quarter, he connected with Keenan Allen on a 24-yard touch pass that stood out as one of the sharper throws of his night.
That kind of outing matters for a quarterback whose NFL path has been bumpy. Richardson entered the league with huge expectations, but he has started only 15 games over three seasons.
Injuries have followed him throughout his career, and last year he lost his starting job to Daniel Jones. The physical gifts are obvious - a 6-foot-4, 244-pound frame with elite speed and arm strength - but the issues have been harder to ignore.
Accuracy has been inconsistent, he has held the ball too long, and his inability to vary the velocity on his throws has made life tougher for both his offensive line and his receivers.
His lack of experience was also a concern coming out of Florida, and that hasn’t really changed at the NFL level. With Jones now entrenched as the Colts’ starter, Richardson’s path to playing time remains blocked.
That’s why Richardson asked for a trade this offseason, hoping for a fresh start elsewhere. Saturday’s performance at least showed the kind of poise and rhythm that could appeal to teams in the market for quarterback help. He looked comfortable in the pocket and played within the offense.
But if Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds is to be believed, the team may not be rushing to oblige. Earlier this month, Dodds said, “I think you take care of your own team first" when asked about Richardson’s trade request. He also said the Colts would like to keep three quarterbacks “that can play.”
Those three are expected to be Jones, Richardson and backup Riley Leonard.
And with Jones coming off a torn Achilles, Indianapolis has a strong reason to value quarterback depth. Richardson may have helped himself on the field Saturday, but he may not get the change of scenery he’s after.
In Other News...
Colts Just Made Final Roster Decisions A Lot Tougher
The Colts wrapped up their preseason against the Lions backups, and even with the scoreboard taking a back seat, the finale still carried plenty of roster weight. Final cutdown day is always more about sorting through the margins than chasing a result, and this one gave Indianapolis a last look at players fighting for jobs, backup roles and a chance to stick around when the regular season arrives.
Several performances stood out as the kind that can nudge a bubble player one way or the other, while injuries and a few key position battles added another layer of difficulty for the coaching staff. A handful of snaps, good or bad, can loom large this time of year, and for the Colts the final preseason tune-up may have made some decisions clearer while leaving others even tougher to sort through. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Final Preseason Game Could Decide One Crucial Roster Battle
The Colts head into their final preseason game against the Lions with several roster decisions still hanging in the balance, and the stakes are especially clear at the bottom of the depth chart. Indianapolis has used August to sort through competition at backup quarterback, where Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard have been part of the conversation, while the third running back job and the wide receiver room also remain unsettled as the cutdown deadline nears.
One of the most intriguing battles has come at kicker, where Chase Grupe and Matt Shrader have been trading off opportunities in a contest that has stayed tight through the preseason. Shrader has flashed well enough to make the choice harder, and with the final exhibition now here, the Colts still have multiple spots where one more strong showing could shape the roster that opens the season. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Still Have One Tough Decision After Their Preseason Finale
The Colts used their preseason finale to get a real look at several of the roster battles that have lingered into the final week of camp, and Spencer Shrader made the kind of kick teams remember. His 60-yard field goal stood out in a game that also gave Indianapolis more meaningful reps for starters than most preseason finales usually offer, with Anthony Richardson delivering a steady outing and the offense getting a cleaner evaluation than a typical exhibition can provide.
Still, the clearest unresolved question may be behind Daniel Jones, where the Colts are weighing their backup quarterback options. Richardson finished 7 of 10 for 80 yards, while Riley Leonard had a mixed night with a touchdown pass and an interception, leaving Indianapolis with one more tough decision to sort through as it finalizes the depth chart. [Read more 🡒]