INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen announced Thursday that Anthony Richardson Sr. will be the team’s top backup quarterback. Richardson, the Colts’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, competed with 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard throughout training camp to serve as QB2 behind starter Daniel Jones.Early on, it seemed as if Leonard had the edge in the competition, but Richardson’s superior play in the preseason seems to have won him the job.“I was honored,” Richardson said of being told he had been named the Colts’ top backup. “I’m just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2. I’m just ready to work, willing to work for this team and provide my best self for this squad.”Richardson completed 21 of 33 passes for 249 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception in three preseason games. He also had 10 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown and lost one fumble while running. Leonard, meanwhile, completed 20 of 42 passes for 199 yards, zero touchdowns and two picks. He added six carries for 17 yards and fumbled two snaps, though neither was lost.
Anthony Richardson Sr. on being named the #Colts’ backup QB:
“I’m honored. … I’m just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2.”
