With training camp for the Indianapolis Colts looming, it seems that the writing is already on the wall for Anthony Richardson. Already, he's being labeled a bust, and Daniel Jones - who was brought to Indianapolis specifically to compete with Richardson for the QB1 job - is being named the winner in the league's most notorious quarterback battle.
But while it might seem like it's over for Richardson - with the Colts, anyway - there is still good reason to believe he might shock the NFL world and win after all.
ESPN's Stephen Holder discussed the current situation in a recent interview, and noted that as training camp approaches, Richardson is ready - and, even more importantly, has been doing well in recent practices.
A little impromptu NFL Live appearance during a visit to Bristol today. Some Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones conversation with tidbits from Adam Schefter: pic.twitter.com/von4oZidaB
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 14, 2025
"It's not ideal, right?" Holder began. "You want to go into the season knowing who your quarterback is. So it does speak to the fact that there is a lot of instability at that position still in Indianapolis."
But for Richardson, he said there is good reason to be optimistic.
"Anthony Richardson's shoulder - everything I've heard indicates that's gonna be good going into training camp," Holder continued. "I've seen video of him throwing the football. He looks strong there. But he has to overcome the the concept and the narrative that he is consistently hurt."
When it comes to Jones vs. Richardson, the biggest thing he has going for him is the potential upside. There's no one denying what an incredible athlete he is, or how much potential he has. If Richardson can figure out the accuracy and efficiency issues - as well as how to stay healthy through an entire season - he could easily become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. But that is a very big if, and the Colts may no longer be willing to keep gambling on that if.
Then there is Daniel Jones, who has very little upside, but offers stability. Holder pointed out that there is also good reason to assume he'll take the field at some point in 2025.
"Also worth pointing out in many cases - it's worth following the money," he said. "The Indianapolis Colts are paying Daniel Jones more this year than the Pittsburgh Steelers are paying Aaron Rodgers. So there's certainly is some sense of expectation that, at some point this season, maybe sooner rather than later, depending on how Anthony Richardson is recovering, we're gonna see Daniel Jones out there."
As previous analysts have pointed out, Jones has had his own problems with accuracy, and can't be counted on to elevate an offense even at his best. Nonetheless, he's clearly ahead in the race, having been able to get all the reps during OTAs while Richardson's shoulder was injured. Training camp will be more important than ever, then, if Richardson wants any shot at all of winning back the QB1 spot that, for now, everyone assumes belongs to Jones.