The Colts' Aug. 2025 depth chart lists Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson as QB1. Coach Steichen fuels a fierce preseason battle for the starting job.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It's the question that has dominated the offseason, and today, the Indianapolis Colts gave us an answer... sort of. The team released its first unofficial depth chart ahead of the preseason opener, and right there at the top, under QB1, it reads: Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson. Instead of clarity, head coach Shane Steichen has given us official intrigue, setting the stage for a dramatic preseason where the future of the franchise will be decided on the field.
QB1: Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson
For months, fans have debated whether the veteran stability of Daniel Jones or the electric potential of Anthony Richardson gives the Colts a better chance to win. The first depth chart of 2025 makes it clear the coaching staff is just as torn. Coach Shane Steichen has remained tight-lipped, and this document is his official statement: the job is wide open. Both quarterbacks are expected to get significant reps during the upcoming joint practices and preseason game against the Ravens, turning every snap into a high-stakes audition. Don't forget rookie Riley Leonard, who is also in the mix and could make a case for himself with a strong camp performance. The battle is officially on.
While the quarterback battle steals the headlines, the rest of the depth chart reveals a team built on established stars and exciting new blood. Jonathan Taylor sits firmly atop a deep running back group, with rookie DJ Giddens already making his presence felt. Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce headline the receiving corps as expected. Perhaps most encouraging is seeing rookies making an immediate impact on the offensive line, with Tanor Bortolini listed at center, and another newcomer, Tyler Warren, featured at tight end. It's a clear sign that GM Chris Ballard's draft class is expected to contribute from day one.
This depth chart isn't just for show; it's a guide for the Colts' most important week of the preseason. The team is heading to Baltimore for joint practices with the Ravens, a crucial evaluation tool for the coaching staff. These intense, competitive sessions provide a much better measuring stick than camp drills. It's where roster spots will be won and lost, and where one of the quarterbacks might finally separate himself from the other. For players on the bubble, this is their chance to prove they belong against a top-tier opponent before the first preseason game even kicks off.
Ultimately, every move ladders up to one goal: ending the four-year playoff drought. The stakes are high for the 2025 season. Analyst Ben Arthur recently predicted an 8-9 finish, praising the expected improvements in the secondary under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo but pointing directly at the quarterback uncertainty as a potential roadblock. While a revamped defense could keep the Colts in games, the team's ceiling will be determined by who is under center. Can Jones or Richardson elevate the offense and lead this team back to the postseason? That's the billion-dollar question.
The depth chart may be unofficial, but the upcoming week is anything but. The joint practices and preseason opener against the Ravens will be the first true crucible for this 2025 squad. Forget the paper—the real answers about the quarterback competition and this team's identity will start to emerge on the practice field and under the stadium lights. All eyes are on Baltimore.
