Colts Name Anthony Richardson as Backup Quarterback
The Colts have settled their backup quarterback competition, with Anthony Richardson emerging as the clear choice over Riley Leonard. Richardson, a former fourth overall pick, returns after a season-ending injury and a brief trade request. His preseason performance and experience give Indianapolis confidence in him as the primary backup to starter Daniel Jones.
Richardson's path back to a meaningful role was circuitous. After suffering an orbital fracture in Week 6 of the 2025 season, he requested permission to seek a trade, but no team made an offer during the 2026 NFL Draft, prompting his return to Indianapolis. His preseason numbers—21 completions on 33 attempts for 249 yards, plus 68 rushing yards and a touchdown—helped him edge out Leonard, who had started the team's Week 18 finale last year.
The competition itself was marked by inconsistency, with head coach Shane Steichen emphasizing steady play from whoever claimed the backup spot. Both quarterbacks turned the ball over in the preseason opener against New England and struggled against Atlanta, but Richardson's stronger showing versus Detroit in the finale proved decisive. His dual-threat capability and prior starting experience gave the Colts confidence in him as insurance behind Jones.
This decision could carry meaningful weight for the Colts' season, given Daniel Jones's recent Achilles injury and history of health concerns. If Jones misses time, Richardson's performance as backup may directly influence the team's playoff chances and fan confidence. The outcome also reflects broader NFL trends, where former high draft picks often resurface as valuable insurance pieces, and it may shape how other franchises evaluate Richardson's long-term value should he eventually hit the open market.