When the Indianapolis Colts start training camp in late July, all eyes will be on the quarterback position. The expectation is that rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will battle with veteran Gardner Minshew for the QB1 spot. Everyone knows Richardson will be the starter eventually, but the question is whether he’ll be ready to start by Week 1 or not.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, team owner Jim Irsay discussed Indy’s quarterback situations. Immediately after Richardson was drafted fourth overall by the Colts, Irsay made clear that he wanted him to play early, and he echoed that sentiment on Monday. Irsay explained that things could be rough for the young QB early, but he believes young QBs improve by playing through their growing pains.
Even still, Irsay isn’t guaranteeing that Richardson starts Week 1, saying that Gardner could play early, but Indy will have to eventually get Richardson on the field.
Jim Irsay to @PatMcAfeeShow today:
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) July 10, 2023
“For Anthony, we know it’s going to be tough. But he has to play to get better. There’s no question. Gardner could play better early on, him just being a veteran. But we have to get Anthony on the field. That’s Shane’s call when he decides.”
Jim Irsay says Gardner Minshew may start early but Anthony Richardson will play
It seems like this is the scenario that everyone believes will happen. Minshew opens the season as the starter, playing a couple of games while the rookie Richardson continues his growth. Eventually, the Colts will have Minshew hand things off to Richardson when they feel the young QB has developed enough to be on the field.
While that seems like the most realistic option, people are holding out hope that Anthony Richardson can come into training camp, quickly develop, have an amazing camp, and secure the starting job in time for the season opener. That may just be wishful thinking, but there’s a chance it could happen.
That’s one of the major storylines that will play out for the Indianapolis Colts in training camp. Either way, if Richardson is the Week 1 starter or not, fans won’t have to wait too long to see him on the field. He will be starting as a rookie.