The Indianapolis Colts may begin the Anthony Richardson experiment sooner than almost anyone anticipated. Their first-round draft pick quarterback was spotted getting reps with starters on Friday in training camp, suggesting the team is seriously considering making him its preferred option under centre from the outset of his rookie year.
Richardson was selected at No. 4 in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, but scouts view him as a project who might not reach his professional potential for several seasons. He struggled with his passing accuracy and decision-making in college, though his arm strength and running ability convinced the Colts he could eventually become a superstar.
Rather than let Richardson learn as a backup for at least some of his rookie season, Indianapolis may be considering an accelerated timeline, knowing they may not have a chance to reach the playoffs regardless of who they start. Their other quarterback options are Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger, who have not made convincing cases to get the job out of camp.
Owner Jim Irsay recently hinted at Richardson being in the running for the starting role, and the sight of the 21-year-old playing alongside the first team has indicated that the move could come sooner rather than later.
"As you guys know, Peyton [Manning's rookie] year we were 3-13, the first year. And that's a guy who played a lot of college games and was really prepared as much as he could be for the league," Irsay said on " The Pat McAfee Show."
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"So, for Anthony Richardson, it's going to be tough," Irsay continued. "We know that, but he has to play to get better. I mean, there's no question. Gardner [Minshew] could come out and obviously play better early on, just him being a veteran, but we have to get Anthony on the field. And that's [head coach Shane Steichen's] call when he decides to do it."
The Colts went 4-12-1 last season. They've accepted this is a rebuilding period in which they must develop newcomers, even if that means abundant mistakes in the short term. Richardson erred often at Florida, completing just 53.8 per cent of his passes while throwing nine interceptions in 2022.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he wants Anthony Richardson to get playing time as a rookie. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)However, head coach Shane Steichen took positives from Richardson's training camp introduction this week. He noticed fewer blunders than he might have expected to see. "I thought he did a nice job," Steichen said. "What he did in the spring, learning the system, and then carrying over into today, I thought he made some good plays.
"Obviously we were down there in the tight red zone, so we didn't have deep balls or anything, but making the right decisions and making the right reads, he did a nice job."
Positive developments from Richardson are a much-needed boost for a Colts team reeling from the off-field drama between Irsay and top running back Jonathan Taylor. A social media post from the owner on Wednesday night drew scorn from Taylor's agent. The threat of a holdout looms over camp, with Taylor unhappy to enter the final year of his contract without receiving an extension offer.
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