Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson tweaked his groin muscle lifting weights this week, but thankfully, he avoided a significant injury. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Friday that Richardson is healthy and will remain the backup quarterback for Sunday’s massive contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, as reported by James Boyd of The Athletic. Daniel Jones holds firm as the starter, with Riley Leonard tucked in as the third-string guy. It’s a minor setback, sure, but for a team still figuring out its long-term QB plan, every little ripple causes a wave.
The “Franchise QB” Who Can’t Get on the Field
Remember when Richardson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft? Man, it wasn’t that long ago, but it feels like a lifetime given his journey since that huge moment. He started four games as a rookie, showing flashes, and then 11 games in 2024, trying to find his footing. But then, things took a sharp, *sharp* turn. He didn’t record a single start in 2025, sitting on the sidelines, and only threw a measly two total passes all season. You gotta seriously wonder, is this what the Colts had in mind when they used a top-five pick, envisioning him as their franchise quarterback? Absolutely not. The dude struggled mightily when he got his chance as the full-time starter in 2024, completing a rough 47.7 percent of his passes for just 1,814 yards, a meager eight touchdowns, and a truly painful 12 interceptions. Yeah, he added some exciting plays with 499 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on the ground, which is sweet and shows his raw talent, but those struggles in the aerial attack? They absolutely screamed for attention and raised major questions about his pro readiness.
What’s at Stake for the Colts’ QB Room Against the Chiefs?
So, here we are, back to Daniel Jones leading the charge. Ideally for Indianapolis, Jones stays healthy and absolutely thrives, much like he did last season before disaster struck. He led the team to a solid 8-5 record in his 13 starts, playing some good football before that brutal torn Achilles took him out of action. Now, with the Kansas City Chiefs coming to town, a real heavyweight opponent, the pressure is cranked all the way up. If Jones hits any snags or has any issues whatsoever in the game, Richardson’s gotta be ready to step in, minor groin setback or not. It’s wild to think a guy drafted so high is still relegated to the backup role, dealing with injuries and fighting for snaps, but that’s precisely where the Colts are right now. Sunday’s game isn’t just a tough matchup; it’s a crucial, pivotal test for the entire quarterback room. Let’s all watch to see if Jones can keep them rolling or if Richardson gets an unexpected shot to finally prove he’s the guy they drafted him to be. It’s all on the line this weekend.
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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