In organized team activities for the Indianapolis Colts, starter Daniel Jones played in a handful of 7-on-7 reps, and the rest went to Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. Richardson appeared to get a few more QB1 snaps, implying he might have the advantage as Jones' backup.
Not so fast, according to head coach Shane Steichen. On the first day of minicamp for Indy, Steichen clarified the quarterback situation by saying that neither Richardson nor Leonard was the clear QB2, but were running even.
According to The Athletic's James Boyd's tweet, the head coach said "the backup QB battle is 50/50 between Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr. Expects that to continue into training camp."
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen not ready to name a QB2 yet
Of course, that is the wise approach for Steichen to take. The coach isn't going to give the media such an insight into his thinking and the team's approach through at least training camp. Instead, let the players continue to believe they have a real chance at potentially becoming the starter for Week 1.
And that is why the battle between Richardson, who requested a trade early in the offseason, and Leonard, a second-year pro who was good in his only start as a rookie, matters. Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14 last season, and while he aims to return by the beginning of the coming season, that would be an extremely quick return from such an injury.
Whoever wins the backup role could have a massive impact on how the new season turns out. Jones might not return until Week 3 or 4, meaning that Richardson or Leonard could start a few games into the season.
Those games are no joke, either, even if Jones is fully back. The Indianapolis Colts open the season at home against the Baltimore Ravens, travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs, and then return home to play the Houston Texans. If the team begins 3-0, that would imply Indy is a very dangerous team. Beginning 0-3 would be a threat to Shane Steichen's employment.
While Colts fans might not love that Shane Steichen isn't saying who has the advantage between Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson, fans also know to assume Steichen's approach. The head coach and general manager, Chris Ballard, have become the masters of saying very little.
Of course, who starts at quarterback in Week 1 could speak volumes about the team's success or failure in 2026.
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