Anthony Richardson has every chance to earn his spot as QB2 with the Indianapolis Colts with a decent showing in preseason Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. Richardson doesn't even need to be great to do so, as fellow backup Riley Leonard hasn't been good in training camp or the preseason.
But Richardson might be playing for more than just to get a gig as a backup quarterback. He could be auditioning for other teams that might need a QB, one that Indy's player could fill. For Richardson, he will have his best opportunity to shine in the preseason.
That is because while he might not have running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receivers Alec Pierce or Josh Downs, or tight end Tyler Warren playing beside him against Detroit, as they all could miss the game to not risk injury (or aggravating a current injury), the quarterback will have the first-team offensive line in front of him.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could be auditioning for his next team in preseason Week 3
So far in preseason, Richardson has only been protected by presumed backups, the same as Leonard has had. The protection hasn't been good, but the starters make up one of the better O-lines in the league. If the quarterback fails, it isn't because the line isn't doing its job.
According to head coach Shane Steichen, the starters might only play a series or two, or around 8-12 plays, but those could both be series in the first quarter when Richardson is playing. Leonard will play in the second quarter, while Easton Stick, who is far more of a practice squad candidate than a player who will make the active roster, will play the second half.
Anthony Richardson should have enough time to find receivers, throw in rhythm, and take off on designed runs. He has raw athleticism to be quite good, though he has fundamentally been a dud. Against the Lions, he could prove he has the prowess to lead an offense, though he has no path to doing that in Indy as Daniel Jones will be the starter.
Richardson hasn't rescinded the trade request he made to the Indianapolis Colts soon after last season. So far, no takers have developed, at least none offering the kind of draft value general manager Chris Ballard would want. That could change as the season goes on and as injuries occur to other teams' quarterbacks.
Preseason Week 3 offers Anthony Richardson one last chance to show he has evolved as a player, and is ready, entering year four, that he is poised enough to be trusted as the field general. He hopefully won't play in the regular season for the Colts, at least as long as Daniel Jones stays healthy.
If a prospective buyer of Richardson's services needs one last look before offering a deal for him, then the game against the Lions is that chance. As for Richardson, he has no excuses for not being good, as he will finally have the first-team offensive line blocking for him.
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