On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts will start their 2023 preseason with a road game against the Buffalo Bills. On Thursday, head coach Shane Steichen announced that rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will start the game. Revealing that the starters will only play about a quarter, Steichen said that Gardner Minshew will rotate in as well.
This news generated a lot of excitement amongst fans, media members, and everyone in the NFL world ready to see Richardson play. Richardson, of course, was also excited, telling the media that he hopes the offense can put up some early points and that he wants to be consistent throughout his time in the game.
Anthony Richardson said Shane Steichen told the rookie he’d start on Saturday before today’s practice.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 10, 2023
“I’m excited. Hopefully we can put up some points early.”
Want to be “consistent” more than anything on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/FkbIvouGs1
Colts will start Anthony Richardson against Bills
Naturally, everyone will want to look into this and wonder if it’s a sign that Richardson has a lead in the quarterback competition. In reality, this is just another step to help Richardson develop. The quarterback competition is more about Richardson’s readiness than Minshew’s performance. When Richardson is ready to start, he will, and that’s why Indy is trying to get him prepared.
Steichen explained to the media that Richardson has been doing good in camp, so they just want to get him out there and see where he’s at. By allowing Richardson to start, the Colts will provide Richardson with his toughest challenge yet, allowing for the team to further evaluate his growth. He’ll be playing with Indy’s starters, while also going up against Buffalo’s starters in a real game. This will give Richardson experience, and it’ll also give Indianapolis a better idea on how far along he is in his development.
If Richardson can excel, and pass this test with flying colors, he’ll certainly be one step closer to starting for the Colts in Week 1. He’ll likely have some exciting plays, and also some rookie mistakes. What’s most important is that he stays healthy and develops.