Anthony Richardson Faces Setback as Colts Backup Amid Expectations

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News Summary

Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall NFL draft pick, is now serving as a backup quarterback for the Colts after losing the starting role to Daniel Jones. Concerns about his future persist, but he remains committed to improving. Meanwhile, Jones is off to a strong start, leading the NFL in passing yards in limited games. There are discussions about a possible position switch for Richardson to tight end, but his youth suggests he might still develop as a quarterback. Colts’ early season success and veteran support offer hope for Richardson’s future in the league.

Indianapolis, IN – Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, has faced a significant setback after failing to secure the starting quarterback position with the Indianapolis Colts, losing out to Daniel Jones. As the 2025 NFL season begins, Richardson will serve as the primary backup quarterback while concerns mount regarding his future performance and ability to meet preseason expectations.

After his disappointing outcome in the quarterback competition, there are mounting worries that Richardson’s career in the NFL could be in jeopardy. Despite this, he has shown a commitment to preparing diligently for any future opportunities that may arise. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones has gotten off to a strong start this season as the Colts’ new starting quarterback, sitting second in the NFL with 588 passing yards and owning a remarkable 71.4% completion rate without throwing any interceptions in the initial two games.

Former NBA player Jeff Teague recently suggested that Richardson consider a position change to tight end, similar to that of Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints. Teague indicated that Richardson possesses too much talent to remain sidelined. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing nearly 250 pounds, Richardson has the physical attributes that could allow him to flourish in this alternate position.

If Richardson were to transition to tight end, there is potential for Shane Steichen, the head coach of the Colts, to integrate him into a multi-faceted role that could maximize his skills. That said, at this early stage of his career, a position change may be less likely, as Richardson is still young and could still have opportunities to excel as a quarterback in the future.

However, if he were to take a year off from starting in order to adapt to a new position, critics argue that this could hinder his development as a player. In his two-year NFL career, Richardson has played in just 15 games, amassing 2,391 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, alongside 635 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. His growth will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.

Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has come to Richardson’s defense, noting that many successful quarterbacks, such as Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith, found their rhythm later in their careers. This sentiment offers a glimmer of hope that Richardson may eventually find success, even if it requires patience.

As the Colts celebrate their first 2-0 start since 2009, they have also established an NFL record by scoring on their first ten drives of the season. This early success under Daniel Jones creates an intriguing dynamic among both the coaching staff and players, particularly for Richardson, as they navigate this pivotal time in his career trajectory.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.

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