Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen discussed his plan for the next couple of weeks in determining the QB2 spot between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard.
The Indianapolis Colts plan to play the majority of their starters this Saturday in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium, with a few exceptions.
One of those exceptions is quarterback Daniel Jones, who returned this summer from December Achilles surgery, but the Colts won't risk his health in preseason action.
"The starters are going to play probably about a series or two, probably 8 to 12 plays. Offensive, defensive guys. The only guys that won't be playing for sure are Daniel and JT (Jonathan Tayor)," Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Tuesday.
In Jones' spot, Anthony Richardson Sr. will get the nod as starting quarterback, playing those 8 to 12 snaps
"AR is going to start the game. He's going to play a quarter," Steichen said. "Riley's going to play a quarter, and then I'm gonna give an opportunity to East Stick. I think it's important in the preseason for everyone to get an opportunity to go play. And so he's been doing a nice job, and so I think he deserves that opportunity to go out there and play with those guys."
Saturday will be the first time for either Richardson or Leonard to play with the first-team offense since mandatory minicamp in June, before Jones was fully back from his injury.
When asked about the significance of Richardson getting the opportunity and not Leonard, Steichen explained that it's just part of the rotation between the two players.
The three practices and one final preseason game will weigh heavily toward which player will earn the Colts' backup quarterback role, though Steichen still would not yield a timeline for the decision.
"Yeah, I don't have a timetable on that, to be honest. We've got this week, we've got next week as well. So, I'm just going to let that process play out," Steichen said. "It's a big week for both those guys this week. Practice is going to be important, and those game reps are going to be important as well."
So far, in two games this preseason against the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, Richardson is 14-of-23 passing (60.9%) for 169 yards (7.3 YPA) and one interception, for a passer rating of 61.3. He also has nine carries for 68 yards (7.6 avg.) and a touchdown, and has lost one fumble.
Leonard is 17-of-35 passing (48.6%) for 151 yards (4.3 YPA) and one interception, for a passer rating of 50.9. He also has three carries for 14 yards (4.7 avg.).
