Colts Remain Vague on Anthony Richardson After Trade Request

Colts head coach Shane Steichen remains optimistic about QB Anthony Richardson's future on the team as he continues his rehab.

Colts Remain Vague on Anthony Richardson After Trade Request

Anthony Richardson (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Anthony Richardson's future with the Colts is uncertain following a trade request amid recovery from an eye injury.
  • Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Richardson is cleared to play and will compete for the backup quarterback position.
  • Daniel Jones' recovery from an ACL tear may impact Richardson's playing time, as the team evaluates their quarterback options.

Anthony Richardson’s future with the Indianapolis Colts remains uncertain, despite his return to the club for voluntary spring practice earlier this week. Richardson is still recovering from an injury to his eye that forced him to miss a chunk of last campaign.

In Richardson’s absence, the Colts relied on Daniel Jones and 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard. Until Jones started under center, the Colts were on course to win their division for the first time since 2014.

However, Jones tore his ACL, and the Colts collapsed. They finished third in the AFC South below the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans.

Richardson, meanwhile, nursed his eye. According to reports, the former fourth overall suffered an orbital fracture during pregame warmups last October. Richardson underwent surgery, which left him with impaired vision in his right eye.

The 23-year-old’s three years in the NFL went by without doing much on the field. His rookie season ended due to a grade-three AC joint sprain in his shoulder that required surgery. Five weeks into year two, he suffered an oblique injury and later missed games because of a recurring back problem.

Richardson is 8-7 after three seasons. He has registered 177 completions from 350 pass attempts (50.6%) for 2400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also added 10 touchdowns on the ground.

With Jones likely to continue as the starter in 2026 post-recovery, Richardson may find it hard to see game time. Moreover, the Colts haven’t shown any signs of picking up his fifth-year option just yet. Keeping that in mind, Richardson handed in a trade request to the front office.

Despite that, the Florida alum came back to offseason practice.

[Anthony Richardson’s] back in the fold right now. That part’s been good. He’s working, going through his fundamentals, details, out there throwing with the guys. And that’s where it’s at right now.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said via James Boyd of The Athletic

When pressed further to give an update on the condition of Richardson’s eye, Steichen said that the QB is “cleared to play.”

RELATED
Dianna Russini Accused of Intimate Ties to Multiple NFL Coaches, Including Sean McVay, Bill Belichick, Amid Growing Mike Vrabel Drama

Colts OC wants to see Anthony Richardson give his 100% during the camp

Richardson has a fair chance of securing the starter’s job because the Colts are still evaluating Jones’ situation. Recovery time from an Achilles tear varies from player to player. For example, Patrick Mahomes, who suffered an ACL tear in week 15, is on pace to rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs during the OTAs.

Colts Remain Vague on Anthony Richardson After Trade Request
Anthony Richardson (Image via IMAGO)

If Jones doesn’t get clearance from the medical team before week one, then the Colts will probably turn to Richardson. Then again, he still needs to prove himself in the camp.

I think with every position, may the best man win, so whether you’re a starter or a primary backup or carving out a role for a certain spot or position that could help us on Sundays, we love competition. We preach competition. If you earn something around here, you should take advantage of that with that role.

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star

Anthony Richardson earns a generous endorsement from a Colts teammate

The Colts selected Josh Downs in the same draft as Richardson. The wide receiver is rooting for both his brother, who is a Dallas Cowboy, and Richardson.

It’s good to have him back in here. He’s a good player.

Josh Downs said

Richardson spent three years with the University of Florida Gators. He went 6-7 as a starter, registering 215 completions for 3105 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He further added 1116 yards and 12 TDs on the ground.

Also Read: