The Indianapolis Colts settled their quarterback depth chart Thursday, naming Anthony Richardson the backup behind starter Daniel Jones for the start of the 2026 season.
Head coach Shane Steichen made the announcement while speaking with reporters. Richardson will sit at No. 2, with second-year quarterback Riley Leonard listed third.
The decision arrived after weeks of uncertainty. Jones has been locked in as the starter. The fight for the job behind him pitted Richardson against Leonard.
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is not the automatic choice he once appeared to be. Leonard, selected in the sixth round a year ago, had pushed hard for the backup role.
Steichen’s call still gives Richardson the edge heading into Week 1. It is a notable win for a player whose future with the team had been questioned throughout the offseason.
General manager Chris Ballard had already signaled Richardson would remain on the roster. Ballard said earlier this week that Richardson will be a “Colt this year.”
He stopped short of ruling out a trade entirely. The latest depth chart news, however, makes a deal less likely in the short term.If the Colts viewed Richardson as a distant third-string option, moving him would have been simpler. Instead they see him as their most capable insurance policy behind Jones.
Jones is coming off a torn Achilles tendon. He played well last season before the injury, but questions linger about his durability and whether he can recapture that form.
Richardson enters the final year of his contract. His NFL production has fallen well short of the expectations that accompanied his high draft status.
The Colts, who hope to contend for the playoffs, apparently decided a late-round pick in return would not be worth losing their top backup. Keeping Richardson gives them a known quantity if Jones struggles or suffers a setback.
The arrangement offers Richardson a sliver of opportunity. He must stay ready and prove he can still contribute at this level.
Indianapolis opens the regular season at home Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens feature two-time MVP Lamar Jackson at quarterback and a new head coach in Jesse Minter.
Jones will be expected to lead the Colts offense against that defense. Richardson’s job is to prepare as if he might be needed at any moment.
The depth chart announcement ends one chapter of speculation around the quarterback room. It does not end questions about Richardson’s long-term fit in Indianapolis.
For now, the former first-round pick has the backup job he wanted. How long he keeps it will depend on what happens once the games begin.
