Indianapolis has officially made the call - Richardson is the guy, and there's no looking back now.
The Indianapolis Colts have made their decision. After a week of speculation and a preseason opener that finally showed flashes of the superstar potential the franchise drafted in 2023, Anthony Richardson isn't just the future - he's the present. The team officially named him the starter for the preseason opener against Denver, and while the box score was modest, the message was loud: this is Richardson's team now.
But the road ahead isn't without its bumps. A minor shoulder scare over the weekend sent a jolt of panic through the fanbase, and the coaching staff's cautious approach to Week 2 of the preseason tells you everything about how fragile this QB situation still feels. Add in a new offensive coordinator, a revamped depth chart, and a veteran backup making $8.5 million to hold a clipboard, and you've got the most volatile quarterback room in the AFC South.
Here's what the Richardson era looks like right now, what the team is planning next, and what the betting markets think he's actually worth in 2026.
The Preseason Nod: More Than a Formality
When Shane Steichen named Richardson the starter for the August 9 game against the Broncos, it wasn't just about getting him reps. It was the first real, tangible sign that the Colts are committed to their young franchise quarterback without asterisks or hesitation. Richardson rewarded that faith with a clean, efficient outing: 8-of-12 for 96 yards, a 22-yard touchdown strike to rookie Malik Washington, and no interceptions. He also chipped in 28 rushing yards on three designed read-options, reminding everyone that the dual-threat ceiling is still very much intact.
The performance wasn't flawless - he took a sack and showed a tiny bit of hesitation on one deep read - but the rhythm was there. That's the key word for this offense under new offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Kafka, hired in January, has installed a heavy RPO system built specifically to get the ball out of Richardson's hands faster and put defenders in conflict. So far in camp, it's working. Richardson's feet look calmer, his eyes are sharper, and the mid-field accuracy that plagued him in 2024 and 2025 is showing real improvement.
📊 8-of-12 for 96 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT in preseason Game 1 - Richardson's cleanest performance as a pro, plus 28 rushing yards on designed runs.
Of course, the biggest news came the day after the game, when Steichen confirmed Richardson was dealing with mild left shoulder soreness. An MRI on Monday showed no structural damage, and Richardson was a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough. But the Colts aren't taking any chances - he's been ruled out for the August 15 game against Chicago as a precautionary measure.
| QB | 2026 Cap Hit | Preseason Snaps (Game 1) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Richardson | $6.3M | 1st quarter + 2 series | Franchise starter |
| Daniel Jones | $8.5M total | None (rested) | Paid insurance |
| Jason Bean | UDFA deal | Scrimmage reps only | Stylistic mirror |
| Sam Ehlinger | Vet minimum | Limited; since demoted | Third string |
The Depth Chart Shakeup Nobody Saw Coming
Here's where things get spicy. On August 11, the Colts made a depth chart move that raised eyebrows across the league: veteran Sam Ehlinger was demoted to third string, and undrafted rookie Jason Bean was promoted to QB2 for the upcoming Bears game. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones - who was rested in Game 1 - is expected to get the start against Chicago while Richardson watches from the sideline in street clothes.
Let's be real: this is a calculated message. The Colts are saying that Richardson is untouchable, Jones is the paid insurance policy, and everyone else is fighting for a practice squad spot. Ehlinger's demotion shows that the front office isn't sentimental about veterans who don't fit the new system. Bean, on the other hand, is a raw athlete with wheels who fits Kafka's RPO-heavy scheme - he's the ultimate project, but he's also a direct stylistic mirror for Richardson.
