Anthony Richardson is officially the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback for the 2026 season. Let that sink in. This dude reportedly wanted out of Indy earlier this offseason, pushing hard for a trade. But apparently, that’s all water under the bridge now as head coach Shane Steichen just dropped the news. It’s a wild turn of events, placing a player who seemingly didn’t want to be there high on the depth chart.
The QB2 Battle Settled (For Now, Anyway)
Yeah, you heard that right. Richardson actually beat out Riley Leonard for that coveted backup spot. A truly wild turn, considering trade rumors swirled around him like a summer storm just months ago. Steichen, the Colts’ head coach, spilled the beans Thursday, confirming Richardson is Daniel Jones’ direct backup. You’d think a player wanting a trade would be on thin ice, but Steichen even had positive things to say about Richardson’s camp performance. He told reporters Thursday, “I thought he did some good things through camp. He’s continued to develop and grow and learn and continue to get better, and same thing with Riley.” That’s a major vote of confidence after the offseason drama. Is this a sign of him really buying in, or just the team making the best of a tricky situation? It creates a unique locker room dynamic. How does the coaching staff navigate a backup who previously had one foot out the door? The immediate depth chart is set, but the underlying story here is complex.
Jones Is Back, Ready to Lead (Hopefully!)
While Richardson holds that intriguing backup role, the big news is Daniel Jones is officially the man under center for Week 1. This is huge for the Colts, especially considering Jones is returning from a nasty ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered last December. You gotta give the guy props; he was a full participant in training camp, which is fantastic news for their starting situation. Recovering from such an injury and being ready for the season opener takes tons of grit and dedication. With Jones back, healthy, and ready to lead, and Richardson solidifying his spot as QB2, the Colts’ quarterback room finally seems settled heading into the season. But that stability comes with a massive asterisk. How long will this peace last with a player who openly sought a trade just months ago? It’s a delicate balance the Colts’ staff will manage all season.
So, the Indianapolis Colts are rolling into Week 1 with Daniel Jones leading the charge and Anthony Richardson, the guy who wanted out, ready to step in if needed. It’s a fascinating setup, to say the least. You have to wonder if Richardson is truly on board with his current role, or if this is just a temporary peace before the next chapter. For now, all eyes will be on Jones and how he performs coming off that major injury. But don’t you dare count out the potential for some serious drama brewing behind him. The Colts have their QB situation sorted for the opener, but the underlying tension from those trade demands is definitely still there, just waiting for the right moment to boil over. This season just got a whole lot more interesting for Indy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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