Steichen Nears Colts Quarterback Decision

Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson compete for the Colts starting job as coach Shane Steichen moves toward a quick call.

Steichen Nears Colts Quarterback Decision

Two quarterbacks will compete for the Colts starting job this season as head coach Shane Steichen signals a decision is near. In Saturday's preseason game against the Packers, Daniel Jones started and played two series, followed by Anthony Richardson who came in after, despite a dislocated pinkie forcing a brief exit for Richardson earlier in the week. Jones finished 7 of 11 for 101 yards while Richardson went 6 of 11 for 73 yards and added a nine-yard run. Both players avoided injuries and left the game with no setbacks, allowing Steichen to evaluate what each brings to Week 1 prep.

With the matchup behind them, Indianapolis can focus on preparing the Week 1 plan and shaping its quarterback approach for the opener against the Dolphins. Steichen stressed that a decision is imminent, and once made the team can move toward game prep and depth chart clarity.

The Colts are weighing a veteran option against a dynamic rookie in a plan that favors development and competition. A near-decision suggests Steichen wants clarity without prolonging the process, a move that could speed up roster and practice-squad decisions. The split performance hints at different strengths: Jones for efficiency in occasional drives and Richardson for explosiveness and mobility. The timing matters because Week 1 prep will hinge on who starts, not just who watches from the sideline. The dynamic also questions how much ownership the coaching staff will cede to the players during a two-quarterback cycle and whether the front office values consistency over upside.

Highlights

The next step is a public decision that will shape the season's early arc.