Anthony Richardson’s Colts QB battle with Daniel Jones looms

Let the battle begin.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is believed to have recovered from his right shoulder injury setback, according to an ESPN report Thursday, and with training camp beginning next week, his competition with Daniel Jones for Indianapolis’ starting spot is set to commence.

Richardson missed the final two weeks of the Colts’ practices in June after experiencing soreness in his throwing shoulder.

The soreness was worrisome for Indianapolis as Richardson underwent season-ending surgery on his AC joint in the shoulder in 2023 after playing just four games in his rookie season. 

While the team believed that rest would help alleviate the problem, Richardson has also been in Florida with personal coaches for the past few weeks and throwing the ball “with velocity.”

Upon returning to Indianapolis ahead of training camp next week, the Colts’ medical staff will have its first chance to evaluate the 23-year-old since the soreness he experienced in June.

Richardson will hope he’s healthy enough for camp, as he will be in the midst of a fight with Jones, who Indianapolis brought in this offseason on a one-year, $14 million deal.

The team has described it as an open competition, and head coach Shane Steichen will be focused on consistency in his evaluations of Richardson and Jones.

Richardson was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Florida and burst onto the scene his first year with seven total touchdowns (four rushing, three passing) and just one interception. 

He was then shut down for the shoulder surgery before returning in 2024 and starting in 11 of the team’s 17 games. The six games Richardson missed were due to two separate injuries that cost him four games, as well as being benched for Joe Flacco in the other two.

In total, Richardson threw eight touchdowns, rushed for six and threw 12 interceptions. His completion percentage dipped to just 47.7 percent — down from 59.5 percent in his rookie season.

Richardson has plenty of talent, but will need to prove himself this upcoming season. In the meantime, Jones will be looking to do the same.

The 28-year-old was cut by New York in November after posting a 24-44-1 record in six seasons as the starter.

He then signed with the Vikings, sitting behind starter Sam Darnold, who then left for the Seahawks this offseason.

Rather than competing with 2024 top-10 pick J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, Jones joined the Colts, and he’ll look to revitalize his career and earn the job over Richardson.