Anthony Richardson Sr. spent part of the offseason staring at a future that looked shaky at best. A few months later, the Indianapolis Colts may have reason to think twice before moving on.
Richardson’s path had gotten bumpy in a hurry. He lost the starting job to Daniel Jones, dealt with a significant eye injury and eventually asked for a trade. For a stretch, there were even real questions about whether he could sink all the way to third on the Colts’ quarterback depth chart.
Then the preseason arrived, and Richardson started looking like a different player.
In the opener against the New England Patriots, he came out sharper and more refined. His footwork was tighter, his throwing motion looked steadier and the ball was finding its mark more often. Instead of leaning only on the rare athletic traits that made him the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he looked more comfortable sitting in the pocket and moving through the offense.
The next week, Indianapolis gave Riley Leonard the start in the second preseason game and sent Richardson out with the third-team offense. That left him with fewer chances to make noise while working with reserves.
He made the most of the opportunities he got anyway.
In the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Richardson took one series with some starters before finishing the game with backups. He went 7 of 10 for 80 yards and again showed the improved command he had flashed earlier in the preseason.
The one clear hiccup came on a fade route with veteran receiver Laquon Treadwell, when the two were not on the same page. Outside of that miscue, Richardson was accurate and in control.
That matters for Indianapolis. Richardson is still just 24, and his blend of size, arm strength and running ability remains unusual. Staying with the Colts also keeps him in an offensive system that fits what he does best instead of forcing him to start over somewhere else.
Jones is projected to be ahead of Richardson entering the season, but his injury history gives Indianapolis a reason to keep watching the backup spot closely.
If Richardson does get another shot, this preseason suggested he may be better prepared for it than he was before.
After an offseason that raised plenty of doubts, Richardson may have put himself back in position for another chance in Indianapolis.
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