The Indianapolis Colts still don’t have a clear answer on who will start at quarterback in Week 1.
Right now, the battle appears to be between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, and according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it’s as close as it gets.
Fowler described the QB1 race as “neck and neck” through training camp, per head coach Shane Steichen.
“Obviously we’re going to let this thing play out, but both have made plays the last couple of days, so really pleased with the progress of both,” Steichen told Fowler.
But not everyone thinks the Colts should wait to make a decision. During Monday’s edition of First Take, NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky said the starting job should already belong to Richardson.
“The Colts have listed their quarterback depth chart as ‘Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.’ It should be Anthony Richardson,” Orlovsky said. “Dude, you’re the fourth pick. You’ve got a really good offensive line. Tyler Warren is selected. This year stay healthy. Be a tough guy and go get the job done.
“Not only win the starting quarterback job, but be the guy in Indianapolis that when they drafted fourth — and some of us believed in your talent — they were right in doing so.”
It’s strong advice for a quarterback heading into what feels like a prove-it year. Since being drafted fourth overall in 2023, Richardson has made 15 starts, posting an 8-7 record while throwing for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and completing just 50.6% of his passes.
Orlovsky ranked Richardson fifth on his list of quarterbacks with the most to prove in 2025, behind Bryce Young (4th), J.J. McCarthy (3rd), Trevor Lawrence (2nd), and Caleb Williams (1st).
For now, the Colts are letting the competition play out. But as the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on whether Richardson can seize the starting job — and prove Orlovsky right.