ESPN: Signs point to Richardson remaining a Colt

Richardson will be dressed to back up Daniel Jones in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. Richardson tweaked his groin while lifting earlier this week, per head coach Shane Steichen, but he is good to go.

Perhaps the groin issue was just maintenance. Either way, Richardson is unlikely to be in line for any work in Week 2. The question here is simply if Richardson will back up Daniel Jones in Week 2 or if Riley Leonard will have to pick up the slack.

It’s unclear how Richardson picked up the groin injury after not playing a snap in Week 1. He earned the backup job during the summer but will now hand that over to Riley Leonard if he isn’t able to suit up this week.

Richardson spent training camp and the preseason battling it out with Riley Leonard for the backup gig. Given the arc of Richardson’s career, earning the backup gig is undoubtedly a win for the young passer. Richardson isn’t on the redraft fantasy radar, but dynasty managers can leave the light on for him.

Richardson is listed alongside Riley Leonard as the team’s QB2 for now. Either Leonard or Richardson — who struggled in the preseason — will serve as Daniel Jones’ backup this season. One of the most inaccurate passers in modern NFL history, Richardson would be a massive downgrade for all Indy pass catchers if he finds his way under center in 2026.

Richardson’s interception came on a play in which the ball bounced off his receiver’s hands and into a defender’s arms. The former No. 4 overall pick was mostly solid on Thursday, making quick and decisive throws to his receivers while going a perfect 6-for-6 on pass attempts of 10-plus air yards. Richardson also lost a fumble on a 10-yard scramble in the second quarter, but made up for it later on a one-yard touchdown run on a QB sneak. His days as a Colt are likely numbered. Richardson stringing together a nice preseason could draw the interest of several QB-needy teams before the start of the season and position him to eventually see the field sometime in 2026.

Richardson and Riley Leonard will both play, while Daniel Jones will sit. Richardson’s trade request this offseason has gone nowhere, but the Colts appear to be giving him ample opportunity to showcase himself in the preseason as he will get the first half here and the second half next week against Atlanta, while Leonard picks up the other two halves. The Colts are likely hoping someone talks themselves into trading a low pick for Richardson.

Rapoport adds that he “would not be surprised” if Richardson has played his last down as a Colt, and believes he could be traded or waived, seemingly soon. Richardson was recently seen taking third-team reps at practice, and Rapoport wonders whether Richardson can really see pass rushers on either side of him or the receivers running routes downfield. Richardson infamously injured his eye in a pre-game mishap with a resistance band last year, which Rapoport describes as “one of the most absurd and ridiculous injuries of all time.” He really didn’t hold back here. Back in May, The Athletic’s James Boyd used the “questions remain” line regarding Richardson’s eyesight as well, but follow-up reports have been difficult to come by. Richardson’s time as a Colt may be coming to a close, but finding a new team could be harder than expected if there is more to this eyesight story.

Colts coach Shane Steichen did not indicate who will start the game, nor did he rule out QB Daniel Jones (Achilles). Per Erickson, holding Jones out would be unsurprising. Richardson was recently seen working with the third-team offense, so Leonard could have the inside track to start on Thursday.

Richardson, as usual, has been impressive on deep balls, but has had “issues involving his timing and anticipation, securing the snap has been a problem, as he’s bobbled or dropped several shotgun snaps,” Arthur said. Richardson is competing with Riley Leonard for QB2 duties behind Daniel Jones. Leonard, according to Arthur, has seen “slightly” more work with the Colts’ second-team offense than Richardson has in camp. Leonard has been “finding the layups” in Shane Steichen’s offense — an area in which Richardson has struggled as a pro. Leonard would seem to be the favorite to serve as Jones’ backup in 2026.