Anthony Richardson’s journey with the Indianapolis Colts has reached another crossroads. As the team prepares for Week 2 of the preseason against the Green Bay Packers, the quarterback finds himself in a familiar position: fighting to prove he belongs.
This time, though, the stakes feel different. The whispers are louder, the patience thinner, and the margin for error nearly nonexistent.
How Will Anthony Richardson’s Performance Impact His Starting Chances?
Richardson remains set to see action against the Packers today, despite Daniel Jones officially getting the starting nod. The quarterback battle continues to unfold, with both players competing for the top spot on the depth chart.
However, Richardson’s preseason hasn’t gone according to plan. In the opener against the Baltimore Ravens, he earned the starting assignment but saw his night end early. A first-quarter sack by David Ojabo resulted in a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand, limiting his opportunity to showcase his improvements.
The injury setback didn’t keep Richardson down for long. He returned to practice with his finger taped up, demonstrating the resilience that made him an early draft pick. Still, the lost reps only added to the mounting pressure surrounding his development.
Head coach Shane Steichen continues to emphasize that the evaluation process extends far beyond a single game. The coaching staff won’t rush their decision based on one performance.
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson on if he agrees with his teammates that he’s had his best camp yet:
“I would like to agree, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement. I’m nowhere near where I want to be. Yes I’ve improved but there’s still work to be done.”
🎥: @Colts pic.twitter.com/GaPQ3O7n2x
— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) August 15, 2025
“I think that’s a big part of it, playing in this league, is the operation of it and moving the ball consistently up and down the field,” Steichen said. “Both have been doing a nice job. So, we’ll go from there, but I’m pleased with both of them, and we’ll make that decision when it needs to be made.”
The comprehensive evaluation includes everything from practice sessions and scrimmages to joint sessions, meetings, and walkthroughs. Saturday’s game against Green Bay will provide another crucial data point, but the final decision may not come until after next week’s practices and the preseason finale.
Why Does the 2025 Season Feel Like a Make-or-Break Year for Richardson?
This season carries extra weight for Richardson’s future in Indianapolis. Despite arriving with considerable expectations as a high draft pick, his career trajectory hasn’t matched the initial projections. Injuries and inconsistent play have marked his time with the Colts, making this preseason particularly important for his long-term prospects.
Richardson understands the situation he faces. Even without the starting assignment on Saturday, he’ll have opportunities to demonstrate his growth and compete directly with Jones for the quarterback position.
The fanbase remains divided, with some still believing in his potential while others question whether he can develop into the franchise cornerstone the organization envisioned.
Every snap Richardson takes against the Packers will be analyzed and dissected. His accuracy, decision-making, and pocket presence will all be under the microscope as evaluators try to determine his readiness for regular-season action.
While Saturday’s preseason matchup represents just one piece of a larger puzzle, it could serve as a pivotal moment in Richardson’s Indianapolis career. The quarterback knows that consistent performance, rather than flashes of athleticism, will ultimately determine his role when the games start counting.
