This isn’t the end for Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis, or at least that's what Colts general manager Chris Ballard seems to convey. Throughout Richardson’s tumultuous journey with the Colts, Ballard has consistently preached patience. Whether it was after Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just five weeks into his rookie campaign or when he was benched midseason in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, Ballard maintained that the young quarterback needed time to develop. However, the latest announcement raises serious questions about Richardson's future with the franchise.
On Tuesday, Colts coach Shane Steichen declared that Daniel Jones would take over as the starting quarterback, prioritizing immediate results over Richardson's long-term development. “I think this league is a year-to-year league,” Steichen stated, emphasizing the pressure to win now. This decision seems to indicate that the Colts are admitting a misstep in selecting Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, as their franchise quarterback.
Richardson’s injury history has been a significant factor in the Colts' decision-making. The young quarterback has missed 17 games due to injuries over the last two seasons. Ballard acknowledged that Richardson's inability to stay healthy was the main reason the Colts sought competition for him, leading to Jones signing a one-year, $14 million deal. Richardson's struggles have continued; he was sidelined in the spring due to a shoulder injury and dislocated his right pinkie finger during the preseason.
While Steichen believes that Richardson's second benching could provide him with a chance to learn, it seems unlikely that sidelining him will benefit his growth. A quarterback needs playing time to improve accuracy and consistency, but Richardson will not have that opportunity if he remains on the bench. Ballard previously expressed confidence in Richardson’s potential, stating that the team needed to allow him time to develop. However, with Jones now firmly in place as the starter, Richardson's future appears uncertain.
When asked about his faith in the Colts’ guidance for his career, Richardson responded cautiously, placing his trust in a higher power rather than the organization. His agent, Deiric Jackson, was more direct, expressing doubts about Richardson's future with the team. “Trust is a big factor, and that is, at best, questionable right now,” Jackson remarked, further complicating Richardson's standing within the franchise.
As the Colts pivot towards Jones, it’s essential to recognize that he himself has not been immune to struggles. Coming off a season where he went 2-8 as a starter, Jones has faced significant challenges throughout his career, including injuries and inconsistent performance. Steichen has lauded his operational approach and previous successes, but that doesn't guarantee future victories for the Colts.
With Richardson now benched, the Colts are betting on Jones to deliver results. This is a risky gamble for Ballard, who has already stated that he wishes they hadn’t played Richardson immediately in his rookie season. As discussions about Richardson's fifth-year option loom, it remains to be seen whether he will get another shot at proving himself in Indianapolis. If the Colts do not find success with Jones, it could lead to major changes within the franchise, possibly affecting Richardson's standing as well.
The situation surrounding Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts continues to evolve, with immediate performance taking precedence over long-term potential. As fans and analysts closely monitor the developments, the big question remains: can Richardson regain his footing, or has he already missed his chance to become the face of the franchise?
