The Indianapolis Colts are already in trouble at football’s most important position.
The Colts have been holding a quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, even listing the two of them as co-starters on their first unofficial depth chart of the season, but that competition may have been derailed before it could truly get going.
On the second drive of Indianapolis’ first preseason game, Richardson took a monster hit from Ravens linebacker David Ojabo, who came free on a rush off the right side of the offensive line.
When Richardson got up, his right pinky finger was bent in the wrong direction, having been dislocated.
He ultimately did not return to the game, being replaced by Jones and then rookie Riley Leonard. (Jones, as is his wont, struggled against Ravens backups, completing only 10 of 21 passes for 144 scoreless yards.)
The plan had been for Richardson to start and play the first 1.5 quarters, and for Jones to play the remainder of the second quarter.
The plan just got shot to hell when Richardson got injured … again.
He had already missed time earlier this offseason with a recurrence of the shoulder injury that has kept him out of games during his first two NFL seasons, and during that time it seemed like Jones was going to win the starting role.
Richardson has reportedly been the better of the two players during training camp and was looking like he’d retaken pole position in the competition, but now we don’t know when he’ll get back on the field.
Colts coach Shane Steichen called him day to day and a pinky injury doesn’t sound serious, but if you can’t grip the football correctly, you can’t play quarterback, and the pinky finger does serve an important role in a quarterback’s grip.
Richardson played in just 15 of 32 possible games during the first two years of his career, and despite being built like Superman at 6-foot-4, 244 pounds, he doesn’t seem to be able to make it through long stretches of games without getting hurt. And it’s not like Jones is a paragon of health, either. He missed three games in 2020 and six in 2021, then suffered a neck injury in 2023 before tearing his ACL a few weeks later.
But even beyond the injuries, it wasn’t the most inspiring quarterback competition to begin with.
Richardson was one of the rawest and most inexperienced passers to enter the league in years when he was drafted, having started for only one season at Florida.
He has since barely gotten any more experience, and the product he put on the field last year was subpar to say the least.
He had one of the worst passing seasons in recent memory, completing just 47.7% of his passes at an average of only 6.9 yards per attempt. His bad-throw rate of 28%, according to Pro-Football-Reference, was astronomical.
The Colts unsurprisingly wanted to bring in some competition for him heading into Year 3, both because he hasn’t definitively proven that he’s a starting-caliber player and because he is unlikely to make it through the season in one piece.
But they also seemingly wanted to bring in “competition” more than they wanted to bring in actual competition.
They have a lot invested in Richardson and want him to win the job and prove he’s the guy for the future. He can’t do that if the competition you bring in is too good.
That’s how they landed on Jones, who can technically compete with Richardson for the role and start in a pinch if he has to, but isn’t really enough of a threat to just take the job and run with it.
The problem now is that Jones might actually have to play, and then you’re just starting Jones. And as the Giants know, that isn’t really going to get you anywhere.
Colts brass is caught between several different scenarios. Both general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen are probably on something of a hot seat this season, given the way recent years have gone.
Best-case scenario for both of them is that Richardson wins the job, stays healthy and finally looks like the team’s quarterback of the future.
That scenario is already looking less likely with Richardson suffering yet another injury.
The next best-case scenario for the organization is that Richardson wins the job, stays healthy but struggles badly enough that the Colts land one of the top picks in next year’s draft.
The problem is that scenario probably gets the front office and coaching staff fired so that new people can come in and try to develop the team’s next quarterback, which means that if Richardson struggles badly enough that things look like they’re headed in that direction, they probably turn to Jones.
Even in the best-case scenario that Jones doesn’t fall all over himself and the Colts win some games, then they’re just in the same position as the 2022 Giants, who performed better than expected with Jones looking competent but not actually good, and then had to decide whether or not to pay him.
The Giants made the mistake of doing so. The Colts probably wouldn’t and definitely shouldn’t, but then they’re right back to needing a quarterback for next year. And if Richardson’s development went so badly that he was benched for Joe Flacco and Jones in consecutive seasons, then why would the Colts trust this group with the next guy?
News
Kayla Simmons is turning heads once again after sharing a bold beachside look that quickly set social media buzzing. Dubbed by fans as one of the most eye-catching figures in volleyball, Simmons posted a series of photos in a minimal white bikini — and reactions poured in almost instantly. From “mesmerising” to “unreal,” followers didn’t hold back as the post racked up engagement. Known for blending her athletic background with a strong online presence, Simmons continues to build a brand that goes far beyond the court. While the photos grabbed attention, it’s the consistency of her influence that stands out most. And one detail in the post is what fans keep coming back to. It might explain why she continues to dominate the spotlight.
KAYLA SIMMONS has bared her bum in a tiny bikini leaving her fans stunned on social media. The world’s sexiest…
A stunning reversal has caught fans off guard as a Pittsburgh Steelers star has already walked back his retirement — just weeks after stepping away from the game. What initially seemed like a definitive goodbye is now looking more like a pause, with the player signaling a return that’s raising eyebrows across the National Football League. Retirement decisions in the NFL are rarely simple, often shaped by physical demands, personal factors, and unfinished business — and this situation appears to be no different. Fans are split between excitement and confusion, trying to understand what changed so quickly behind the scenes. Teammates and insiders are also reacting, with speculation building about what this means for the Steelers moving forward. But one detail about the timeline of his decision is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could reveal why this U-turn happened so fast.
A FORMER PITTSBURGH STEELERS star has announced his decision to return to the NFL just weeks after hanging up the…
Life off the field is taking center stage for Dak Prescott as he and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos navigate a complicated custody situation following their high-profile breakup. After what many described as a messy split, both sides are now reportedly focused on finding a stable path forward — putting co-parenting and long-term priorities ahead of past tensions. For Prescott, the situation adds a deeply personal layer to an already demanding career with the Dallas Cowboys, where pressure never really lets up. Sources suggest efforts are being made to keep matters as private and constructive as possible, even as public interest continues to grow. Fans have been watching closely, with reactions ranging from support to curiosity about how things will unfold. But one key approach both sides are taking is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could define how this situation evolves moving forward.
Dak Prescott and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos are taking steps to amicably come to terms on a temporary custody arrangement…
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld Announce Birth of First Child — The Buffalo Bills Star and Hollywood Actress Share Joyful News, Marking a New Chapter as They Welcome Their Baby Into the World.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, are officially a family of three. The couple announced Thursday…
A powerful full-circle moment is unfolding for an NFL player whose actions off the field once made headlines for all the right reasons. After bravely pulling a man from a burning car and saving his life, the National Football League star is now being handed a career lifeline of his own — a second chance that’s capturing attention across the football world. At the time, his heroic act drew widespread praise, showing a side of athletes fans don’t always get to see. Now, as he looks to revive his career, that moment is being remembered as more than just a headline — but a reflection of character. Teams are always weighing talent against intangibles, and stories like this can carry real weight. As news spreads, support is pouring in from fans and insiders alike. But one key detail about this opportunity is what’s standing out most. And it could determine whether this comeback truly takes hold.
KJ OSBORN has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiver, 28, has not played in…
All eyes were on Fernando Mendoza — and he delivered. With representatives from the Las Vegas Raiders in attendance, Mendoza used Indiana Pro Day to make a powerful statement, strengthening his case to be the No. 1 overall pick. From sharp throws to confident command, everything about his performance suggested a quarterback ready for the next level. For teams searching for a franchise leader, moments like this carry serious weight — especially when decision-makers are watching up close. The Raiders’ presence only added intrigue, fueling speculation about their intentions at the top of the draft. As buzz builds, Mendoza is quickly shifting from prospect to centerpiece of the conversation. But standout performances come with rising expectations. And one specific element of his Pro Day is what scouts are talking about most. It might be the factor that ultimately separates him from the rest of the class.
BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Raiders have been careful not to prematurely anoint Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first pick overall in next month’s…
End of content
No more pages to load
