The Indianapolis Colts have officially named Anthony Richardson as their backup quarterback for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. This announcement follows a closely contested competition between Richardson and rookie Riley Leonard, which culminated in the final preseason game.
Richardson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, faced a challenging 2025 season. After losing the starting quarterback role to Daniel Jones, he suffered a significant orbital bone fracture in October that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Following his injury, Richardson requested a trade in February, but the Colts opted to retain him through the offseason.
On the other hand, Leonard, who was drafted in the sixth round, found himself in a unique position during the 2025 season. After Jones sustained a season-ending Achilles injury in December, Leonard was initially expected to step up. However, he was overtaken by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who had been retired for nearly five years but made a surprising return to lead the team in the final game of the season. Leonard did get a chance to showcase his skills in that game, but the competition for the backup role remained fierce.
The battle for the backup quarterback position was intense, with both players showing flashes of potential during the preseason. In their final performance, Richardson completed 21 of 33 pass attempts for 249 yards, contributing one touchdown and rushing for an additional 68 yards. However, he also threw one interception and lost a fumble. Leonard, in contrast, completed 20 of 42 attempts for 199 yards but struggled with two interceptions and had two fumbles, though none were lost. In an earlier game against the Detroit Lions, Richardson had a solid outing, completing seven of ten passes for 80 yards, while Leonard managed three completions on seven attempts for 48 yards.
During a press conference on Thursday, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the decision to make Richardson the Colts' QB2, with Leonard designated as the emergency third quarterback for the season. This decision underscores the team's confidence in Richardson's abilities, particularly as he approaches a contract year. If he performs well, there is potential for him to secure a starting position with another team in the future.
Shane Steichen's announcement marks a significant moment for the Colts as they prepare for the 2026 season. With Richardson now positioned as the backup, the Colts will be looking to build on their previous seasons and improve their standing in the league. As the team gears up for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on how Richardson develops in his role and whether he can capitalize on the opportunity presented to him.
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