Colts QB Anthony Richardson is cleared for a 2024 training camp battle with Daniel Jones. Who will win the starting job in this career-defining competition?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is over, and the pressure is on. The Indianapolis Colts confirmed today that third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is cleared for the start of training camp next week, officially setting the stage for the most anticipated quarterback competition in recent team history. With rookies reporting July 21 and veterans on July 22, all eyes will be on Grand Park to see if Richardson can hold off the steady hand of newly signed veteran Daniel Jones and finally realize his immense potential.
After a career marked by flashes of brilliance, frustrating injuries, and inconsistency, the message from all corners is clear: the time for excuses is over.
Head Coach Shane Steichen has been clear: the starting job is open, and it will be won by the most consistent player. Anthony Richardson, who aggravated his surgically repaired AC joint during OTAs and missed the final weeks of the offseason program, is reportedly fully recovered after rest and rehab. His absence, however, opened the door for Daniel Jones, signed to a one-year, $14 million 'prove it' deal of his own. Jones seized the opportunity, earning praise while taking all the first-team reps, ensuring this won't be a coronation for Richardson, but a true, down-to-the-wire fight.
For Richardson, the stakes couldn't be higher. His first two seasons have been a rollercoaster. While his dual-threat ability has produced 10 rushing touchdowns, his passing game has lagged, with a career record of 8-7 as a starter, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His completion percentage plummeted to a concerning 47.7% in 2024, a season where he missed six games due to injury and a brief benching. If he can't definitively beat out Jones, his future as the franchise quarterback in Indianapolis is in serious doubt, a reality that could also impact the job security of Coach Steichen.
While the quarterback drama will dominate headlines, it's not the only story at camp. Keep a close eye on second-year defensive end Laiatu Latu, who will be counted on to lead the pass rush. On offense, receiver Josh Downs looks to build on a promising start to his career. Fans will also get their first extended look at the 2025 draft class, including first-round DE JT Tuimoloau, CB Justin Walley, T Jalen Travis, RB DJ Giddens, and developmental QB Riley Leonard.
The Colts are also making moves off the field to gear up for the season. The team announced a new multi-year partnership with Holiday Rambler, which will feature a Class B Xpedition RV as a 'Mother's Unit' for players' families at camp. Additionally, the organization released its schedule of gameday themes for home games at Lucas Oil Stadium, promising a renewed focus on fan engagement and special events throughout the 2025 campaign.
With Richardson's health confirmed and the battle lines drawn, Colts training camp is officially must-see viewing. Can Richardson silence the doubters and claim his role as the franchise leader? Or will the consistency of Daniel Jones force a change under center? The answers will begin to unfold next week in Westfield, and they will undoubtedly define the trajectory of the 2025 Indianapolis Colts season.
