With Anthony Richardson's return uncertain, Daniel Jones is poised to lead the Colts in 2025. Get the latest on the QB battle and what it means for Week 1.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when Colts fans thought the offseason narrative was set, Wednesday brought a seismic shift. The anticipated comeback season for Anthony Richardson has hit a major snag, and in his absence, a new leader has emerged. Daniel Jones, signed this offseason after a stint with the Vikings, is no longer just an insurance policy; he's the clear frontrunner to be under center when the Colts kick off the 2025 season.
There is no set timetable for Richardson's return.
The biggest news out of West 56th Street is the troubling update on Anthony Richardson. The explosive dual-threat QB has reportedly re-aggravated the surgically repaired throwing shoulder that cost him much of last season. He was held out of minicamp, and with his return date uncertain, the door has swung wide open for Daniel Jones. Jones has capitalized on the opportunity, taking all the first-team reps and impressing the coaching staff with his command of Shane Steichen's offense. Sources indicate he has a significant lead in the competition, making him the odds-on favorite to start against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. It's a stunning turn of events for a team that has invested so much in Richardson's development.
This quarterback drama unfolds against the backdrop of a crucial season for the Colts. After an 8-9 finish last year, the pressure is on to capture an AFC South title that feels very much up for grabs. The newly released 2025 schedule does them no favors early on, starting with two home games against the Dolphins and Broncos as the team looks to break its dreaded Week 1 losing streak, which dates back to 2013. The importance of every game, especially divisional matchups, is underscored by a season finale against the Houston Texans that could very well decide the division crown. For the Colts to contend, they'll need more than just solid QB play; they'll need a bounce-back year from key free agent signings like cornerback Charvarius Ward.
While the QB battle dominates headlines, other notes from the pre-training camp lull are worth mentioning. First-round rookie tight end Tyler Warren is notably absent from the popular 'TE University' camp this week, opting to continue his own preparations for his first NFL season. While not a major red flag, it's a choice that fans will be watching as he integrates into the offense. On a lighter note, the Indianapolis sports community, including a large contingent of Colts fans, was buzzing at Victory Field for a world record attempt for the 'most signatures on a piece of sports memorabilia,' proving the passion for sports in the Circle City is as strong as ever.
With training camp now less than a month away, the questions are piling up. All eyes will be on Richardson's recovery and whether he can get back on the field to challenge for the job he was drafted to own. Can Daniel Jones carry his offseason momentum into the preseason and prove he's the answer? The direction of the Colts' 2025 season will be decided in the coming weeks, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
