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Indianapolis Colts name Anthony Richardson backup quarterback ahead of season opener

10 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 10:51 PM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Indianapolis Colts name Anthony Richardson backup quarterback ahead of season opener
Summary

The Indianapolis Colts have designated Anthony Richardson as the team's primary backup quarterback for the upcoming season. Head coach Shane Steichen announced the decision on Thursday, confirming Richardson will serve behind starter Daniel Jones. Riley Leonard is set to fill the third-string role. The move settles an offseason competition where both players split training camp reps and preseason game action. Richardson, who previously requested a trade earlier this year, finished the preseason with 249 passing yards on 21-of-33 passing. While the organization maintains that Jones remains the starter, the coaching staff cited Richardson's experience and physical traits as the deciding factors for the QB2 position. The roster adjustment provides clarity for the Colts as they prepare for their opening week schedule.

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Status Watch
  • •Shane Steichen named Anthony Richardson the team's QB2 behind Daniel Jones.
  • •Riley Leonard will serve as the Colts' third-string quarterback.
  • •Richardson completed 21 of 33 pass attempts for 249 yards during the preseason.
  • •The competition between Richardson and Leonard lasted throughout the entire training camp.
Latest Updates
  • 2:38 AMYahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson named backup
  • 10:51 PMCBS NFL — Colts name Anthony Richardson backup QB: What's next for former first-rounder with trade request in rearview
  • 6:23 PMYahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson named Colts backup QB after offseason trade request
  • 6:05 PMESPN — Richardson is Colts' QB2 months after trade ask
  • 5:32 PMYahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson wins backup quarterback job for Colts, Keenan Allen stays mum on arrest
  • 5:09 PMYahoo Sports — Colts announce decision on Anthony Richardson
  • 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson on Colts' decision at backup quarterback
  • 4:36 PMYahoo Sports — Indianapolis Colts: Reveal the Backup QB for 2026
What they're saying
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The Indianapolis Colts held a backup quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. Richardson lost the starting job in 2025 to Daniel Jones before suffering a season-ending orbital bone fracture last October and demanding a trade in February, but ultimately was not moved this offseason. Meanwhile, when Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in […] The post Indianapolis Colts: Reveal the Backup QB for 2026 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.

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It’s been a tumultuous few months for Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts, with his future with the team uncertain. However, it looks like he’s going to stick with the team after all. Richardson’s long-term status with the team has been in question ever since he lost the starting quarterback battle to Daniel Jones last…

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Receiver Keenan Allen and quarterback Anthony Richardson tried to keep Thursday's talk centered on football. Both still sound content to be with the Indianapolis Colts preparing for the Sept. 13 season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, even if they are playing very different roles.

Related Teams & Leagues
Indianapolis ColtsBaltimore RavensGreen Bay PackersDetroit LionsAtlanta FalconsNFLFootball

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