Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen discussed what the team plans to do with Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson Sr., and Riley Leonard for the next couple of weeks of preseason action.
In the midst of the Indianapolis Colts' battle for the backup quarterback role, head coach Shane Steichen has finally revealed his plans for playing time between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard during the preseason.
The Colts had a joint practice in Foxborough, Mass., on Tuesday against the New England Patriots and will open their preseason against them on Thursday night.
Steichen told reporters that Richardson will start against the Patriots on Thursday and play the first half, while Leonard will play in the second half. Next Saturday against the Atlanta Falcons, Leonard will start and play the first half while Richardson plays the second half.
"Anthony will start Thursday. He'll play the first half, Riley will be the second half," Steichen said. "And then Riley will start against Atlanta, and then AR (Richardson) will play the second half against Atlanta."
Richardson and Leonard have rotated second and third-team reps during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills throughout the team's 10 training camp practices.
The competition has been met with mixed results. Richardson struggled with his accuracy and bobbling snaps for the first several days, while Leonard held onto the ball for too long and was apprehensive to push it downfield.
Both players recently acknowledged those issues to reporters and have looked better in the last week.
Steichen also mentioned that starting quarterback Daniel Jones, whose season ended last year in Week 14 with a torn right Achilles, will not play at all in the preseason.
"I think it's pretty obvious we don't wanna take any chances with Daniel out there in the preseason right now."
Jones practiced on a limited basis with the Colts during the offseason program but has been a full participant since training camp began on July 29, not missing a snap.
As for the rest of the Colts' starters on Thursday night, Steichen said, "There's going to be a slew of them that aren't playing."
He also said that there would be some players who might get limited action, but that for the most part, starters won't play.
This year's preseason will carry significant weight for both Leonard and Richardson. Leonard entered last year as a sixth-round rookie and could now establish himself as QB2.
Richardson, meanwhile, has been on the trade block since February after requesting a move from the team. The Colts allowed him to pursue the trade, but the market hasn't been bustling for the former top-five draft pick.
If Richardson can stay healthy during the preseason and play well, then it could spark interest from another team that becomes inspired to make a move for him.
The Colts take on the Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed locally in the Central Indiana area on FOX59.
