The Indianapolis Colts anointed rookie Anthony Richardson the team’s starting quarterback to begin the 2023 season.
First-year head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that the No. 4 overall draft pick will be under center when the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. Veteran Gardner Minshew will back up Richardson.
Richardson was not expecting the team to commit to a starter just over two weeks into training camp.
“Honestly, I was shocked,” he said. “I’ve been grinding, putting in the work to try to get the title, but it’s not really all about the title. I’m just trying to make sure I’m ready for the team, despite being labeled as QB1, I’ve still got other guys in that room helping me to get to that standard. I’m forever thankful for them.”
Going with the rookie marks a strategy reversal for the Colts, who have plugged in veterans Jacoby Brissett (2019), Philip Rivers (2020), Carson Wentz (2021) and Matt Ryan (2022) with varying degrees of success since the unexpected 2019 retirement of Andrew Luck.
Richardson completed 7 of 12 passes for 67 yards and an interception in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Steichen credited the rookie for showing “great poise” after the 23-19 loss.
“I knew we had the early interception. That’s my fault,” Steichen said. “We’ve got to do a better job communicating on that one. … That starts with coaching, starts with myself. Other than that, I thought he was efficient.”
Indianapolis hosts the Chicago Bears in a preseason contest on Saturday night with starters expected to get increased playing time.
Richardson, 21, played in 24 games over three seasons at Florida. He started 12 games last season, posting a 6-6 record. He completed 176 passes for 2,549 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He ran 103 times for 654 yards with nine scores.
Minshew, who has started 24 NFL games with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles, handled his QB2 designation with class.
“I totally understand and I’m all-in with what we got going,” Minshew said. “I can’t stress enough, I’m really excited about Anthony.
“… This is his franchise. There’s a reason he was picked where he was. He’s gonna be really special.”
–Field Level Media
