As Anthony Richardson competes for the starting quarterback role, the Indianapolis Colts are preparing to use him whether he’s starting or not.
Since Anthony Richardson was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, the conversation has been when will Richardson make his first start. With Gardner Minshew also on the roster, Minshew and Richardson are in somewhat of a competition. The job, of course, will eventually be Richardson’s regardless, it’s just a matter of if Richardson will be ready to start by Week 1.
Even if he’s not, it seems like the Colts are prepared to get Richardson on the field regardless. In a recent piece for ESPN, Stephen Holder explained that Richardson could be used as a weapon off the bench, saying, “Look for the Colts to lean into Richardson's running ability from day one -- whether he's the starter or not.”
Colts could use Anthony Richardson in packages before he’s full-time starter
This isn’t uncommon for young quarterbacks with athleticism like Richardson. Considering how great of a runner he is, getting Richardson in during different packages will allow the Colts to open up the playbook, capitalize on his running ability, and get him NFL experience.
That's pretty much how Anthony Richardson came on to the scene at Florida. In 2021, as a redshirt freshman, Richardson was the backup QB to Emory Jones. However, whenever Richardson was thrown into the game, he would make crazy explosive plays. This led to everyone wanting to see more of Richardson, and they got that opportunity in 2022 when he became the full-time starter for Florida.
It likely won’t take a full year for Richardson to become the starter for the Colts. As exciting as it may be to see Richardson used in packages, everyone is hoping that Richardson can grow enough to open the season as Indy’s No. 1 quarterback. With training camp ahead, he has a pretty good chance to do that.
Richardson had some impressive moments throughout OTAs and minicamp, but like all young quarterbacks, it’s been clear that he has some developing to do. Will he develop enough by Week 1 so that he’s the starter? That remains to be seen; either way, Richardson should contribute for Indy in some fashion.