Indianapolis Colts name Anthony Richardson backup quarterback ahead of season opener
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 4:39 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
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.
- •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.
- 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson on Colts' decision at backup quarterback
- 4:36 PMYahoo Sports — Indianapolis Colts: Reveal the Backup QB for 2026
- 3:37 PMYahoo Sports — Anthony Richardson named Colts backup quarterback
"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.
"After being named the Colts' backup quarterback, Anthony Richardson spoke with local media members on Thursday.
"Anthony Richardson has won the Colts’ backup quarterback job behind Daniel Jones entering Week 1.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 4:39 PMAnthony Richardson on Colts' decision at backup quarterback
After being named the Colts' backup quarterback, Anthony Richardson spoke with local media members on Thursday.
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 4:36 PMIndianapolis Colts: Reveal the Backup QB for 2026
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.
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 3:37 PMAnthony Richardson named Colts backup quarterback
Anthony Richardson has won the Colts’ backup quarterback job behind Daniel Jones entering Week 1.
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