Indianapolis Colts' head coach Shane Steichen announced that Anthony Richardson will be Daniel Jones' backup this season, beating out Riley Leonard for that role.
Following Thursday's practice, Richardson was asked about being named QB2.
"I was honored," he said, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "I was blessed. I'm just blessed to continue to find a way in this league. Continue to find my way on the roster. I'm just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2, and I'm just ready to work. I'm just willing to work for this team and just provide my best self for this squad to just help us win."
In making this decision, Steichen noted that Richardson had the better preseason compared to Leonard and has shown continued growth in the offense,
according to Mike Chappell of FOX59.
Anthony Richardson Sr. on being named the #Colts’ backup QB:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 3, 2026
“I’m honored. … I’m just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2.”
But what about the trade request?
“I’m here. I’m not really thinking about that. I haven’t talked to my agent about that …” pic.twitter.com/uRHSXLcNGy
Richardson finished the preseason completing 21-of-33 passes for 250 yards with an interception. It's also worth noting that Richardson's ability to extend plays helped turn a number of potential negative plays into positive ones for the offense.
Beyond the production, GM Chris Ballard mentioned on Tuesday Richardson's play during a few two-minute situations -- one in the preseason opener against New England and the other in a joint practice with Atlanta.
Overall, he appeared more poised and in control of the offense.
Ballard saidhe expects Richardson to remain with the Colts this season, even after the offseason trade request.
“I’m here. I’m not really thinking about that," Richardson said, via Boyd. "I haven’t talked to my agent about that …”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Anthony Richardson on Colts' decision at backup quarterback
