It was always a big risk. Any time a team chooses to play its starters in a meaningless preseason game, those players are risking getting hurt. Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, but he clearly doesn't know better.
Steichen made it known that entering the preseason, he would play both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones in hopes that their play would dictate who would win the quarterback battle. Richardson was the two-year veteran whom Indy had drafted and tried to groom. So far, he had failed.
Jones had also failed for six seasons in his career, but none of those were with the Colts. He was a bust for the New York Giants. Now, however, Jones might be forced to prove he isn't a bust with Indy after Steichen's decision to play Richardson and Jones might have blown up in his face.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen's job should be in question after the latest Anthony Richardson injury
During the first quarter of the Colts' first preseason game of 2025, Richardson dropped back to pass on second down and was brutally, but fairly, hit by a Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman. Richardson nearly immediately went to the sidelines while holding his right arm. Jones replaced him, threw an incompletion, and the team punted.
The team made an immediate statement that Richardson would not return to the game. Maybe this was only precautionary, but the hit was so hard, AR5 appeared to be hurt. Of course, the quarterback has a history of injuries, and this is just another one.
Hopefully, this specific injury is not a long-term problem. The injury appeared to be to his pinky finger on his throwing hand, so at least his arm appears to be fine. Perhaps Richardson will return to practice soon and be able to play in preseason Week 2.
The truth is, though, neither Richardson nor Jones should have been put in the position to potentially be injured. If the Indianapolis Colts truly believe they are the best options at the most important position on the field for 2025, which they obviously are, then they should have sat out the preseason, and the quarterback battle should have unfolded in training camp.
Shane Steichen appears incapable of making a QB1 decision based only on training camp, though, and that should put his job in further jeopardy. Most coaches don't risk presumed starters from being hurt in the preseason. Steichen eschewed that philosophy and took a risk that completely backfired on him.