The chances of an Anthony Richardson comeback story this season with the Indianapolis Colts are getting slimmer by the day - especially given that Richardson is injured, and can't play. And in his absence, his competition, Daniel Jones, is evidently thriving.
In one of the league's most hyped QB battles, Richardson and Jones have been splitting reps during OTAs, with the victor landing the QB1 spot for the 2025 season. Richardson initally seemed to be performing well, but a pre-existing shoulder injury flared up again, and he will now have to sit out until training camp. That means that, until then, Jones is getting all the reps - and Richardson's only hope is that he flames out.
Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case, judging by the latest comments from head coach Shane Steichen.
Steichen has been praising Jones' performance all week. In his press conference on Tuesday, Steichen spoke well about how intelligent Jones is, and how quickly he's willing to correct any errors he makes. Then, in another meeting with reporters on Thursday, Steichen continued his Daniel Jones Praise Tour.
"Very pleased with what we got right now. He's been doing a hell of a job. Really smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly, making really good decisions out there through OTAs. Obviously, we want to carry that over to training camp, but he's done a really good job. Great command in the huddle. Ultimate pro."Shane Steichen
That feeling creeping up the base of Richardson's spine is existential dread, and he's got to be feeling it right now.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who took over as CEO after her father's death, did have high praise for Richardson, saying she still has faith in him, so all hope may not be lost. “We drafted Anthony for a reason, and we believe in him,” she said. “He’s incredibly talented, and sometimes when you draft players, they have rough starts, they have injuries, they’ve got those things that they need to go through. But I think it’s way too early to tell... I think he’s — he has all the potential in the world, and if he wants to prove it, he can. And he will, if he wants to.”
Yet while Richardson is having to sit out during his make-or-break offseason, Daniel Jones is thriving - and that can't feel good.