Heading into their preseason finale, the Indianapolis Colts still had plenty of roster decisions to make. One of the most important remaining questions was who would be tapped as the backup quarterback behind undisputed starter Daniel Jones.
The Colts’ QB2 debate was focused on two players: 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson and 2025 sixth-rounder Riley Leonard. Per head coach Shane Steichen, the pair entered training camp neck-and-neck. One of them needed to step up and establish themselves ahead of the other.
Given Jones’ precarious injury history, the backup QB decision was a big one. If Jones missed any time at all, Indianapolis needed someone they could trust to lead the offense at least temporarily. In the aftermath of the Colts’ final preseason game, it seems like the team has made its choice.
Anthony Richardson is the clear favorite to be the Indianapolis Colts’ backup QB in 2026
Over the course of three preseason games, Richardson outplayed Leonard by a wide margin. He was the more accurate passer, turned the ball over less, and ran the ball much more effectively. Richardson’s athleticism remains a strength, and his accuracy and decision-making seem to be progressing.
Leonard, on the other hand, inspired little confidence with his preseason performance. After four turnovers and a sub-50% completion rate, the Colts should be wary about handing Leonard the keys to the offense anytime soon.
The sizable gap between the two players was obvious in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. Richardson completed 7 of 10 attempts and looked smooth and in control, while Leonard was just 3-for-7, including an interception. With one final chance to impress Steichen, Richardson made the strongest case for being a serviceable backup for the upcoming season.
The Colts also played Richardson with the starters on offense, signaling their belief in him over Leonard. Leonard failed to do anything in-game to change their minds.
Steichen has made it clear that he’s looking for consistency from his backup QB — someone who can be trusted to string multiple solid performances together. Richardson is still far from perfect, but his comfort level operating under center makes him the best candidate for the job.
This development marks a pretty dramatic turnaround for Richardson’s career in Indianapolis. After another season cut short by injuries followed by a formal trade request back in February, it seemed almost certain that Richardson would not be on the Colts’ roster in 2026.
Now, he’s not only still on the team but has also earned Steichen’s trust as the Colts’ top backup at the most important position on the field.
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