Indianapolis Colts Name Anthony Richardson Sr. Preseason Starter Against Ravens as Daniel Jones Begins Backup Role in 2025 Opener

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts are making their intentions clear from the start of the 2025 preseason: this is Anthony Richardson Sr.’s team.

The third-year quarterback, who dazzled in limited action during his first two seasons before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 and then returning strong in 2024, has officially been named the starter for the Colts’ preseason opener this Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. It marks the beginning of a new chapter — not just for Richardson, but for a Colts franchise hungry to reclaim its identity in the AFC.

Standing behind him, waiting for his turn, will be Daniel Jones — the high-profile free agent acquisition from the New York Giants. Jones, signed in March to a two-year deal worth up to $48 million with $25 million guaranteed, represents one of the most intriguing quarterback insurance policies in the NFL. But Colts head coach Shane Steichen made it clear this week: Richardson is QB1 until further notice.

“This is Anthony’s job,” Steichen told reporters Tuesday morning at the Colts’ training complex. “He’s earned the right to be the guy from the start. He’s worked his tail off all offseason, and we’re ready to see him command the offense the way we believe he can.”

The announcement ends weeks of speculation surrounding the Colts’ quarterback depth chart following their splash signing of Jones in free agency. The former Giants signal-caller became available after New York opted to move on from the oft-injured, oft-debated passer following a turbulent 2024 campaign. Indianapolis pounced — not as a threat to Richardson, but as a safety net.

The 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson has always had the tools: rare athleticism, elite arm strength, and dynamic playmaking ability. But the knock has been his durability. After appearing in only four games in his rookie season due to an AC joint sprain, he bounced back with a promising 2024, playing in 14 games and leading the Colts to a 9-8 record and a near-playoff berth.

Now, with a full offseason of preparation under his belt — and a chip on his shoulder — Richardson says he’s ready to elevate his game to a new level.

“I’m just excited to be out there again,” he said after Tuesday’s practice. “Last year was a step in the right direction. This year, I want to take the leap. I’ve got confidence in my guys, in the system, and in myself. It’s go time.”

For Richardson, “go time” begins Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium. It’s only preseason, but for a quarterback still carving out his place in the league, every rep matters. The Colts plan to play him for “about a quarter,” Steichen said, depending on the flow of the game and the number of plays executed. The goal? To see him operate at full speed and in full control of the revamped Colts offense.

Indianapolis used the offseason to bolster the roster around him. The team brought in veteran wideout Tyler Boyd to join the ascending Michael Pittman Jr. and sophomore deep threat Josh Downs. In the backfield, Jonathan Taylor is healthy again and running with fresh legs. The offensive line — anchored by Quenton Nelson — looks primed for a bounce-back year.

More importantly, Richardson has spent the offseason focused on refining the nuances of quarterback play — footwork, timing, protections, and pre-snap reads. According to teammates and coaches alike, the difference is already apparent.

“He looks like a general out there,” said Colts center Ryan Kelly. “The way he’s commanding the huddle, pointing out blitzers, setting protections — that’s a dude who knows it’s his team now.”

Richardson’s leadership has also taken a noticeable leap, teammates say. Once a quiet presence in the locker room, he’s now vocal, confident, and connecting with everyone from rookies to veterans.

“It’s one thing to have talent,” said Pittman. “But now he’s owning it. There’s a different energy when he’s in the huddle. He’s locked in.”

Of course, standing behind him is Jones, who brings starting experience and a reputation for professionalism — even amid the ups and downs of his tenure in New York.

The 27-year-old quarterback, drafted No. 6 overall in 2019, showed flashes of brilliance as a Giant, including leading the team to the playoffs in 2022. But injuries and inconsistency hampered his growth. The Giants ultimately cut ties this spring, choosing instead to build around a younger signal-caller.

In Indianapolis, Jones arrives with no illusions about the role he’s walking into — but also with the competitive spirit of a man who still believes he has more to offer.

“I knew what this was when I signed here,” Jones said Monday. “This is Anthony’s team, and I respect that. My job is to support him, push him, and be ready if the team needs me. I’m approaching every day like a starter, because that’s how you stay ready.”

By all accounts, the two quarterbacks have built a strong relationship in the early going, with Richardson calling Jones “a great presence” in the quarterback room and Jones describing Richardson as “a freak athlete who’s going to do big things in this league.”

The Colts believe having Jones in the building can only benefit Richardson’s growth.

“You can’t underestimate the value of having a veteran behind a young quarterback,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “Daniel’s been through a lot. He’s seen every coverage, every blitz. That experience in the room — that dialogue — is invaluable.”

The quarterback room also includes 2023 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger and undrafted rookie Caleb Williams Jr. (no relation to the top 2024 draft pick). But all eyes are on Richardson — and, to a lesser degree, Jones — as the Colts begin their three-game preseason slate.

Thursday’s matchup against Baltimore, one of the AFC’s perennial powerhouses, will be a solid early measuring stick. Though most starters typically play limited snaps in the preseason, Richardson will be tested by the Ravens’ aggressive defensive fronts and disguised coverages — staples of the Mike Macdonald-coached unit.

Colts fans, who have been waiting since the Andrew Luck era for another franchise quarterback to emerge, are hopeful that Richardson is the long-term answer.

“I believe we’re seeing the beginning of something special,” said longtime Colts fan Tom Weaver, who attended Tuesday’s open practice at Grand Park. “He’s got the swagger, the skills, and now the experience. I think the league better be on notice.”

Still, the Colts are tempering expectations. Steichen emphasized that while Richardson is the starter, the team is preparing both quarterbacks equally — and will evaluate the position weekly like any other.

“This league is about performance,” Steichen said. “Anthony knows that. Daniel knows that. We’re not handing anything to anyone — they have to earn it every day.”

For now, the reins belong to Richardson. The Colts are betting big on their young star — not just with playing time, but with trust. And Richardson, now entering his third NFL season, seems ready to deliver.

“This is what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” he said. “Now I just want to go out there and ball.”

The Colts and Ravens kick off Thursday at 7:30 p.m. EST. All eyes in Indianapolis — and across the league — will be watching to see if Anthony Richardson Sr. is ready to take that next step into NFL stardom.