Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) delivers a pass Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is preparing for what could be one of the most important games of his young career — his preseason debut in the 2025 NFL season. After an injury-shortened rookie campaign in 2023 and a season of recovery and development in 2024, the former No. 4 overall pick now faces the pressure of proving he can be the long-term answer under center for the Colts. His upcoming preseason appearance isn’t just about shaking off rust; it’s about making a bold statement to teammates, coaches, and fans.
Richardson’s immense potential has never been in question. At 6-foot-4 and over 240 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength that made scouts drool ahead of the 2023 draft. But questions around his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to process NFL defenses linger. Now in his third season, expectations are higher, and the margin for patience is slimmer. The Colts are looking for stability at quarterback, and Richardson has to show he’s not just physically gifted, but mentally prepared.
Training camp reports have been mostly encouraging. Richardson has reportedly shown improved touch on short-to-intermediate throws, better command of the offense, and stronger chemistry with wideouts like Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Adonai Mitchell. However, in the absence of live-game pressure, those glimpses can only go so far. Saturday’s preseason game will provide Richardson with the live-action reps he missed last year — and it will serve as the first real test of whether his offseason growth translates to game-day execution.
Head coach Shane Steichen has emphasized that Richardson doesn’t have to be perfect — but he does need to be poised, decisive, and efficient. That means protecting the football, making smart reads, and using his legs judiciously rather than defaulting to scrambling. A clean stat line won’t tell the full story; evaluators will be watching how he commands the huddle, adjusts protections, and handles third-down and red-zone situations.
The stakes are clear. The Colts invested heavily in Richardson’s potential, passing up more polished quarterback options in previous drafts. If Richardson shines this preseason, he could lock in his role as the unquestioned starter and leader of the franchise. But if he struggles, the whispers about his long-term viability will grow louder, and the Colts may be forced to rethink their timeline — or worse, their quarterback plan altogether.
Ultimately, Richardson’s preseason debut is less about raw numbers and more about the tone he sets. Can he play with confidence? Can he lead with authority? And can he finally begin to match his high ceiling with consistent production? The answers will begin to unfold under the bright lights this weekend — and for Anthony Richardson, there may be no bigger opportunity to reset the narrative.
