Colts Coach Steichen Outlines Future for Richardson After Bench

The Indianapolis Colts have created uncertainty surrounding the future of 2023 first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson Sr. after naming Daniel Jones their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Following this decision, questions arose regarding whether Richardson would see any significant playing time this year. During a press conference on Thursday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen revealed that the team remains committed to developing Richardson despite his recent benching.

Steichen emphasized the importance of continuing Richardson’s growth in various aspects of the game. “We’re going to continue to develop [Richardson] in the meeting rooms, on the practice field, fundamentals, details,” he stated, as reported by Stephen Holder of ESPN. The head coach encouraged Richardson to maintain his preparation as if he were still a starter, indicating that the young quarterback’s journey is far from over.

Richardson’s agent recently expressed concerns regarding his client’s relationship with the Colts, labeling it as “at best, questionable right now” following the benching. This situation adds complexity to whether Richardson might request a trade before the season begins. Nonetheless, Steichen appears optimistic about having Richardson on the active roster for the Colts’ regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, 2023.

“I’ve had great conversations with him the last two days,” Steichen noted, highlighting his interactions with Richardson. He added, “…I talked to him [Wednesday] in the office, and he was great. He just said, ‘Hey man, I’m going to continue to work,’ and I said, ‘You’re one play away.’ He said, ‘You’re right, I’m one play away.’ So he’s been great.”

However, the situation raises questions about the team’s confidence in Richardson’s readiness. Mike Sando of The Athletic commented that Steichen would risk losing credibility in the locker room if he declared Richardson the starter without clear evidence of his preparedness. This skepticism stems from last year’s benching, which was reportedly linked to Richardson needing improvement in his game preparation and understanding of the quarterback role’s responsibilities.

Jones, who previously struggled with the New York Giants, finishing with a record of 3-13 in his last 16 starts, may not be the long-term solution for the Colts. Team insider James Boyd of The Athletic suggested that the organization might have effectively “punted” on Richardson’s development, implying a lack of faith in his potential growth within the team.

The prospect of Richardson and the Colts parting ways sooner rather than later has emerged as a possibility worth considering for all parties involved. The situation continues to unfold as the Colts prepare for the upcoming season, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the future of their young quarterback.