COLTS NAME RICHARDSON STARTER
Anthony Richardson’s first NFL start convinced the Indianapolis Colts that he’s ready to keep the job.
On Tuesday, three days after the fourth overall draft pick made his pro debut at Buffalo, coach Shane Steichen ended the suspense by naming Richardson the Colts’ opening-day starter.
Richardson’s regularseason debut, on Sept. 10 against Jacksonville, will mark the seventh straight year Indy has had a different Week 1 starter. It began when Scott Tolzien replaced the injured Andrew Luck in 2017. The Colts are hoping Richardson’s ascent to the No. 1 spot on the depth chart ends the revolving door.
“I just started working my tail off every day,” Richardson said. “I didn’t want to come here and make it seem like everything was handed to me because it definitely shouldn’t be.”
When the Colts reported to training camp on July 25, General Manager Chris Ballard insisted the team wouldn’t rush Richardson onto the field. Instead, Indy wanted to make sure the rookie was ready to play.
Richardson opened camp splitting first-team snaps with veteran Gardner Minshew but worked most of last week with the starters. Minshew signed with Indy as a free agent during the offseason.
On Thursday, Steichen told reporters Richardson would start the preseason opener as the competition continued. But after reviewing Saturday’s footage, Steichen informed Richardson and Minshew of his decision Monday night.
Richardson was 7 of 12 with 67 yards and one interception — on his third pass attempt — against the Bills, who didn’t play many starters. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound former Florida star also had two carries for 7 yards, though his longest run of the day was called back on a holding call.
Minshew was understandably disappointed by Steichen’s decision.
“You’re hurt, obviously, you put so much time into something,” Minshew said.
“But I’m really excited for Anthony, man, I think he’s going to be really special. He’s got a great opportunity here, and we’re going to try to figure out what’s next.”
Richardson was considered one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects.
He dazzled scouts with a strong arm at the NFL’s annual scouting combine and some described Richardson’s overall performance as the most athletic they’d ever seen by a quarterback.
Still, some questioned his readiness to play immediately after he completed just 54.7 percent of his throws while going 6-7 as the Gators’ starter. And once Richardson returned to Indy, he needed to learn the playbook and earn the respect of coaches and teammates. Mission accomplished. “He’s a good leader. I think he’s getting comfortable and getting to know him, he’s a humble dude,” safety Julian Blackmon said. “I’m just excited to see what he can do — he can do everything — it’s just in terms of what plays he makes.”
Notable
Recently signed offensive
tackle Brandon Shell was not present at the Buffalo Bills’ practice on Tuesday, with the team announcing the 31-year-old intends to retire after seven NFL seasons.
Shell signed with the Bills on June 1 and was listed as the primary backup to starting right guard Spencer Brown on the team’s depth chart. His departure thins Buffalo’s veteran depth at the position, leaving the team with only two backup tackles with NFL experience — sixthyear player David Quessenberry and Tommy Doyle, who is entering his third season.
• New York Jets running back Breece Hall was activated from the physically unable to perform list, a day after the team agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Dalvin Cook.
• Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett took part in individual drills, a day after he left the field with a foot issue in the first of two joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles.
• The Seattle Seahawks activated linebacker Jordyn Brooks off the physically unable
to perform list, less than nine months after he suffered a major knee injury.
• Las Vegas Raiders backup left tackle and former starter Brandon Parker will miss his second season in a row after being placed on injured reserve. No reason was given for why Parker was given that designation. A triceps injury cost him all of the 2022 season.
• Veteran running back and former LSU standout
Darrell Williams signed with New Orleans and practiced, two days after Saints rookie running back Kendre Miller left a preseason game with a sprained knee.
• The Kansas City Chiefs decided to place tight end
Jody Fortson on seasonending injured reserve, then proceeded to lose to injuries three wide receivers who were competing for a job when they returned to practice following their preseason opener. The Chiefs lost wide receivers Nikko Remigio to a dislocated shoulder, Justyn Ross to knee and hamstring troubles and Ihmir SmithMarsette to a groin injury as they began their final week of camp at Missouri Western State University.