Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Indianapolis Colts will start Daniel Jones at quarterback this season, coach Shane Steichen announced Tuesday. Anthony Richardson will be Jones' backup.
"I thought the competition in training camp was great by both of those guys. I thought they both competed really hard. It was good to see them cheering for each other and battling the way they did," Steichen said.
Steichen told the quarterbacks his decision Tuesday morning. The Colts' coach emphasized his commitment to Jones as the season-long starter by saying he didn't "want to have a quick leash" on the veteran.
The Colts signed Jones to a one-year deal in March. The New York Giants, who selected Jones with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, released the six-year veteran in November. He signed with the Vikings five days later.
Jones spent time on the Vikings practice squad and was promoted to their active roster ahead of their wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. He served as the emergency third-string quarterback.
