Colts QB Anthony Richardson embracing battle with Daniel Jones, believes it impacts the whole team’s mentality

The QB battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as it stands with 2025 season approaching

Anthony Richardson showed potential in his rookie season, but the injury bug that had shown up in his college career caught up to him quickly in the NFL. He was ruled out of his second game after suffering a concussion on a touchdown run, exiting the game shortly afterward against the Houston Texans.

He was then ruled out for the following game against the Baltimore Ravens, before returning in Week 4 to face the LA Rams.

Just a week later, Richardson went down again, this time under the pressure of two tacklers, immediately clutching at his throwing shoulder. He had suffered a severe AC joint sprain, which would require surgery. He was ruled out for the year, ending his rookie campaign after just four games.

The young QB saw a lot more of the field in 2024, but still struggled to find a rhythm. There were splash plays here and there, but consistency was an issue for him, and he ended the year having thrown just eight touchdown passes with 12 interceptions.

Richardson was benched in favor of Joe Flacco for two games before he came back into the lineup in the second half of the season.

This year, Richardson is playing for his future, as the Colts are unlikely to struggle for more than three seasons without trying a different approach at quarterback.

He knows he has to stay healthy, and Daniel Jones is providing competition for the starting role. The word coming out of Colts’ camp is that it’s Richardson leading in the battle, and the 23-year-old has been embracing the challenge.

When asked about his mindset and whether he goes into each practice as if he is the starter, Richardson said:

“I feel like every day has got to be like that. I just got to work as if I am going to be the day one starter. Regardless of what decision they make, I’m still working, trying to improve. They’re going to make the best decision for the team; that’s ultimately what we need.

This team wants to win the Super Bowl, it’s not about me, it’s about the team. I’m just working as if I am the starter, and if I do get the job, all glory to God.”

The quarterback was then asked how he felt the competition with Daniel Jones was helping him, to which he replied:

“I feel like it helps both of us, limiting the mistakes we make because we know what’s on the line. It just helps us make plays and showcase what we can do as quarterbacks for this team.

I feel like it’s about the level of competition up for the team because they know there’s a QB battle going on right now, and everyone else is like, okay, they gotta compete too. I think it just helps the whole team, and we’re just excited that we have the opportunity to come out here and compete.”

The future outlook for Anthony Richardson with a crucial season ahead

As a first-round pick, the Indianapolis Colts will have to make a decision on Anthony Richardson’s fifth year option at the end of this season.

The fifth-year option allows teams to retain their rookies on what is effectively a single-season extension, which typically means a pay rise for the player.

It gives teams more time before they have to commit to a long-term extension, which is something the Colts couldn’t do right now with Richardson.

The sample size has been small, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to warrant being the franchise QB long-term. They know the talent is there, but he has to be available this season to show it.

This season is crucial for him to prove himself to the organization before they potentially look to draft a replacement in 2026. The upcoming draft is loaded with college quarterbacks with potential, and many are anticipating several first rounders will come from the class.

Either the Colts need to see that Richardson is their guy, or they’re likely to draft a guy to challenge him in 2026.

The alternative is that Daniel Jones competes and plays well this season, which could buy him some more time in Indianapolis.

Either way, 2025 is pivotal for the Colts, both for the future of the coaching staff and the quarterback.