The Colts' 2024 camp is defined by a QB battle between Daniel Jones & Anthony Richardson, but a brutal injury to Salvon Ahmed casts a dark shadow. Who will start?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Indianapolis Colts officially have a quarterback controversy on their hands. Tuesday's release of the first preseason depth chart put it in black and white: Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson. But as the most important position battle heats up, a somber mood hangs over the team following the devastating leg injury to running back Salvon Ahmed, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
The depth chart lists Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson as the starter, officially kicking off the most significant quarterback competition in Indianapolis in years.
The 'OR' designation between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson confirms what we've seen all camp: this is a true, open competition. General Manager Chris Ballard has publicly preached patience for the 2023 No. 4 pick, but Richardson is doing his part to accelerate the timeline. He's reportedly shed 10 pounds in the offseason, focusing on his conditioning to improve mobility and durability. While Jones brings the steady hand of a veteran, Richardson's raw talent is undeniable. Coach Shane Steichen plans to give both quarterbacks significant reps in the preseason, starting this week against the Ravens, as the team desperately seeks a definitive answer before the season opener against Miami.
The competitive spirit of camp was dealt a heavy blow Sunday when running back Salvon Ahmed was carted off with a severe lower right leg injury. The injury, which occurred on a hip-drop tackle by safety Trey Washington, left teammates visibly shaken and put a damper on practice. Ahmed was a crucial depth piece behind Jonathan Taylor, and his absence creates a massive void. With no official timeline for his return, the pressure now falls on Tyler Goodson and DJ Giddens to step up and prove they can handle the backup role. It's a brutal loss that tests the team's 'next man up' mentality before the first preseason game has even been played.
Beyond the quarterback spot, the first depth chart revealed several other intriguing roster situations. Rookie safety Hunter Wohler is making a strong case for a roster spot, a great sign for the young secondary. To bolster that group, the Colts signed veteran cornerback Chris Lammons, releasing Corey Ballentine in a corresponding move. At wide receiver, the trio of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell are listed as the top options. Meanwhile, the team's established stars got some love from the gaming world, with Quenton Nelson (92), Kenny Moore II (88), and DeForest Buckner (88) earning the highest initial ratings for the Colts in Madden NFL 26.
With the on-field drama comes off-field pressure. Local media has begun to question the team's direction under head coach Shane Steichen, now in his third year. After two seasons of rebuilding and retooling, the expectation in Indianapolis is clear: it's time to show tangible progress. The uncertainty at quarterback and the recent injury setback only amplify the scrutiny. This preseason isn't just about finding a starting QB; it's about Steichen and his staff proving they have the team on the right trajectory to compete.
All eyes now turn to Baltimore. The upcoming joint practice and preseason opener against the Ravens isn't just an exhibition; it's the first real litmus test. We'll get our first extended look at the quarterback competition in a live-game setting and see how the team's depth, particularly in the backfield, holds up under pressure. The answers to the Colts' biggest questions are about to start rolling in.
