Colts finalize QB depth chart; Anthony Richardson named backup in Indianapolis

Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Thursday that Anthony Richardson will serve as the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback after a preseason competition with Riley Leonard. Steichen said Richardson “did some good things through camp” and that he played better in the preseason, which Steichen called the separator in the competition. Richardson has started 15 games in three seasons, throwing for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in those starts.

Source report dated 2026-09-03: Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, said he was honored and thanked the team for promoting him to QB2, saying he is ready and willing to work. Richardson requested a trade this offseason but nothing materialized, and general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that Richardson “is going to be an Indianapolis Colt this year.” The club’s announcement defines the immediate backup role as the team heads into the regular season.

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