Colts refuse to choose between Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson on depth chart

The Colts are taking every measure to ensure the status of their quarterback battle remains under wraps. 

The team released its unofficial depth chart before Week 1 of the preseason, but listed the top quarterback spot as “Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson Sr.”

Every other position on the depth chart was listed normally, with a starter followed by backups. 

Jones and Richardson have been in an open competition for Indianapolis’ starting quarterback position all summer, and head coach Shane Steichen called the competition “neck and neck” in an interview with ESPN last Wednesday. 

After the Colts’ training camp practice Sunday, Steichen said both Richardson and Jones will get playing time in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Ravens, but the coach has yet to announce a starter.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to them about who’s starting, but I’ll address that with them tonight,” Steichen said. “I want them to hear it from me first before they hear through the media. But yeah, we’ll work through that.”

Steichen has praised both Jones and Richardson throughout training camp, and he reiterated his belief in Richardson on Sunday. 

“Thought he did some really good things today. I think when you go down in the red zone, the windows are tighter. There’s certain things obviously that we’re working through in the red zone – not with Anthony, but I’m just saying with everybody and just going through that process because that’s where it’s really tight window,” Steichen said. “So, I thought he bounced back really well today. Made some good plays. It was a good day for those guys.”

The 23-year-old Richardson had a rough practice on Saturday, completing just three of 10 pass attempts during 11-on-11s with one touchdown and one interception. He went 10-for-14 with a touchdown on Sunday. 

Richardson, whom the Colts selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft, is entering his third NFL season. 

The University of Florida product played just four games his rookie season before a season-ending AC joint sprain. He started 11 games in 2024, throwing eight touchdowns and 12 picks. 

Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with Indianapolis this offseason, was benched and then released by the Giants partway through last season before spending the rest of the year as a Vikings backup. 

The 28-year-old started 10 games for the Giants before he left the team, throwing for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions as the team started 2-8.