The Colts transition to new ownership under the Irsay sisters in June 2025, but QB Anthony Richardson's lingering shoulder injury casts a shadow on the season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It was a day of monumental change and nagging uncertainty for the Indianapolis Colts. While the franchise officially and emotionally turned the page to a new chapter of leadership with Jim Irsay's daughters taking the helm, the most critical question on the field remains unanswered: who will be the starting quarterback, and when will Anthony Richardson be healthy?
With Anthony Richardson seeking a second opinion on his lingering shoulder injury and no timetable for his return, the Colts' quarterback situation remains unsettled.
The Colts officially entered a new era on Wednesday as ownership transitioned to Jim Irsay's three daughters. In a heartfelt press conference, Carlie Irsay-Gordon (CEO), Casey Foyt (Executive Vice President), and Kalen Jackson (Chief Brand Officer) stepped into their new roles, ensuring the franchise their late father cherished remains in the family. They spoke of honoring his legacy while charting their own course for success, a delicate balance that now defines the organization's front office. This move, following Jim Irsay's passing last month, provides stability at the top, but the pressure to win is as present as ever.
While the ownership picture clarified, the quarterback situation grew murkier. The concern around Anthony Richardson's recovery from the shoulder injury that has plagued him since his rookie year has intensified. The news that Richardson recently sought a second opinion in Los Angeles, combined with the lack of a firm return date, has Colts fans on edge. His availability for training camp is now a legitimate question mark. This opens the door wide for offseason acquisition Daniel Jones, who is no longer just an insurance policy but a serious contender to be under center for Week 1. For a player drafted to be the franchise cornerstone, Richardson having played just 15 of a possible 34 games is a troubling statistic.
Caught in the middle of this transition and turmoil is Head Coach Shane Steichen. The pressure is mounting for the coach, who must now navigate the expectations of new ownership while managing a potential quarterback controversy. Steichen's mandate is twofold and seemingly contradictory: develop the team's long-term answer at quarterback while delivering the immediate results the organization and fanbase demand. His ability to lead through this uncertainty, whether it's preparing Jones to start or managing Richardson's return, will be a defining test of his tenure.
Amid the internal drama, a tantalizing external possibility has emerged. The Colts have been linked as a potential trade partner for Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is currently holding out of minicamp. Acquiring a player of Hendrickson's caliber would be a massive boost for a pass rush that needs more teeth. It would be a statement move by the new ownership and a dream addition for new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who knows Hendrickson's game well from his time in Cincinnati. While just a rumor for now, the possibility of adding an elite defender adds another layer of intrigue to a critical offseason.
Wednesday marked a true turning point for the Indianapolis Colts. With new, dedicated leadership in the Irsay sisters, the foundation is set for the future. Yet, the path forward is anything but clear. The franchise's success hinges on solving the quarterback riddle and making smart, potentially bold, personnel moves. As minicamp continues and training camp looms, every report on Richardson's shoulder and every whisper of a trade will be scrutinized. The new era is here, but the defining questions are just beginning to be answered.
