Key facts
- Anthony Richardson named Colts No. 2 quarterback, behind starter Daniel Jones
- Richardson beat out Riley Leonard for backup role in summer competition
- Richardson has started 15 games in three NFL seasons with 50.6% completion rate, 11 TDs and 13 INTs
- Fourth overall pick in 2023 draft missed most of 2025 season with eye injury after Week 5
- In fourth and final year of rookie contract; requested trade in offseason but Colts did not deal him
The depth chart decision
Head coach Shane Steichen announced on September 3, 2026 that Anthony Richardson has been named the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 2 quarterback behind starter Daniel Jones for the upcoming 2026 season. Richardson won the backup job over Riley Leonard, who finished third on the depth chart, following a summer competition between the two.
Richardson’s track record
Richardson was drafted fourth overall by the Colts in 2023 with expectations to become the franchise’s quarterback of the future. Through three seasons, he has started 15 games and completed 50.6 percent of his passes while throwing 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. Injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from developing into the player the organization envisioned at that draft slot.
Recent injury history and offseason situation
Richardson missed the majority of the 2025 season due to an eye injury, playing only through Week 5. When starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles later in that season, Richardson did not return to action or get a chance to reclaim the starting job. Heading into 2026, Richardson had requested a trade during the offseason, but the Colts chose not to deal him. Instead, they brought in Jones as the starter and named Richardson the primary backup.
What comes next
Richardson is in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract with the Colts. Jones’s health and performance this season will determine whether Richardson gets another opportunity to start for Indianapolis. Richardson told reporters after being named QB2 that he was honored by the decision and ready to contribute to the team.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson: I'm thankful the Colts believe in me enough to make me QB2 · Anthony Richardson named Colts backup quarterback
- NBC Sports — Anthony Richardson: I’m thankful the Colts believe in me enough to make me QB2 · Anthony Richardson is the Colts’ No. 2 quarterback
- Sporting News
Featured photo: TheGoodGeneral 1 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)