The Indianapolis Colts appear to be lining up their quarterback pecking order for the preseason finale, and Anthony Richardson Sr. is the one getting the nod.
Shane Steichen said Richardson will start against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 29 and is expected to handle the opening quarter. Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Richardson will have some starters with him for “to play 8-12 plays,” before Riley Leonard takes over in the second quarter. Easton Stick will then finish out the game.
That setup points toward Richardson holding the edge in the Colts’ competition for the primary backup quarterback job. Leonard, a 2025 sixth-round pick, has been in the mix, but Richardson, the 2023 first-rounder, seems to have pulled ahead after two preseason games.
Richardson’s first exhibition outing came against the New England Patriots on Aug. 13, when he produced a mixed stat line in the 13-13 tie. He threw an interception in the first quarter and lost a fumble in the second, but he also completed 11-of-14 passes for 145 yards, rushed for 53 yards and scored once on the ground.
Leonard’s performance in that game was less productive. He went 10-of-21 for 89 yards and threw an interception.
Neither quarterback found much rhythm in the Colts’ 34-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 22. Leonard finished 7-of-14 passing for 62 yards, while Richardson went 3-of-9 for 24 yards.
The backup battle matters because Daniel Jones is still recovering from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in December 2025. Jones also has a troubling injury history, having not played a full season since 2022, when he was rested in Week 18.
With that in mind, the Colts may need their No. 2 quarterback sooner rather than later. The depth chart still doesn’t look settled, but Richardson appears to be the favorite to back up Jones when Indianapolis opens the season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13.
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