Anthony Richardson completed 11 of 14 passes and posted a passer rating of 80.1 in the first half of Thursday’s preseason opener for the Indianapolis Colts, according to game statistics. His performance was marred, however, by an interception on his third pass and a fumble in the second quarter.
Richardson also led the Colts on a second-quarter touchdown drive with an 18-yard completion, a 9-yard screen pass, a 7-yard run and a 1-yard sneak for the score, according to game statistics. The plays highlighted the quarterback’s athleticism with his legs.
The turnovers renewed questions about Richardson’s development since the Colts selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said at the time. Richardson started four games as a rookie before a shoulder injury ended his season. In 2024, he rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns but completed 47.7% of his passes with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions, according to season statistics.
The Colts signed Daniel Jones as a free agent and Jones won the starting job. Richardson was also injured last season and did not provide relief when Jones was hurt, the team said. Indianapolis turned to Riley Leonard and veteran Philip Rivers at quarterback. As the preseason continues, Richardson, 24, is competing with Leonard for a backup role behind Jones, and Leonard threw an interception on his second possession of the second half, according to game statistics.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
