The Indianapolis Colts began training camp on Wednesday, hopefully just the beginning of the path that will lead them to the playoffs in 2026. The team has top-end talent, and if that talent stays healthy, good things can happen. The most positive aspect was starting quarterback Daniel Jones being a full participant.
The murkier situation is at backup QB, and that is where head coach Shane Steichen appears to have given a nod to who he wants to see as QB2. That appears to be Anthony Richardson, who has not rescinded his wish to be traded, creating a bit of an odd situation.
Indy has said the plan is to rotate QB2 day after day. On Thursday, Riley Leonard will get the second-most reps after Jones, while Richardson will be QB3. Where one begins is often where one ends, though, and the bigger news would have been giving Leonard the first chance at QB2 reps.
Shane Steichen likely wants to have Anthony Richardson be the Indianapolis Colts' QB2
Colts fans can likely already see the writing on the proverbial wall. When Week 1 happens, the same quarterback flow will probably follow how day one of training camp looked. Richardson will be the backup, and should Jones get injured, he will take over while Leonard serves as his backup.
The issue wouldn't be as important except that Daniel Jones has a penchant for getting hurt. In seven seasons, he's had three end too soon due to injuries. Betting on him to stay healthy for the rest of his career seems foolish. Even him not missing a game in 2026 isn't something fans can count on.
Riley Leonard might perform brilliantly on day two of camp, so much so that he puts himself in a position to truly be Jones' immediate replacement. What appears clear is that the team really wants to favor Richardson. After all, he was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and if he eventually finds success, it will prove the team didn't completely blow the selection.
Leonard is a sixth-round choice in 2025, and as much as executives and coaches talk about how draft pick status doesn't matter, it does. A first-rounder is going to get a lot more chances to show he can play than a late-round pick.
The problem is that Anthony Richardson has had lots of chances already and failed, either by getting hurt or being ineffective on the field. Riley Leonard has looked better in his one start. He should be the backup to Jones, but the Colts are making their stance on Richardson pretty clear already heading into 2026.
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