Colts head coach Shane Steichen named Anthony Richardson Sr. the team’s backup quarterback for the 2026 season, he announced Thursday. Riley Leonard will serve as QB3.
“I’m thankful they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2,” Richardson said. “I’m ready to work and I’m willing to work with this team and just provide my best self.”
The backup battle has been ongoing throughout the offseason, training camp and preseason. Leonard and Richardson split second and third team reps during camp, and also each played a majority of the snaps during the three preseason games, with Richardson finishing 21/33 for 249 yards.
Richardson and his agent requested a trade in February, but the former first-round pick has remained a positive presence around the Colts ever since.
“I’m looking forward to helping the team,” Richardson said after the second preseason game against the Falcons. “They truly believe I still have a chance to be on this squad and I love that. I just want to be able to contribute, put my best foot forward and help the team win.”
Colts general manager Chris Ballard has remained confident in Richardson the last few months, and has spoken highly of how he handles himself on and off the field.
“I tell you every time I talk to you (that) he’s a phenomenal teammate,” Ballard said. “He likes to be around the team, likes being a part of the team. There’s not been one point where I’ve seen him hang his head and get soft.”
Richardson sustained an eye injury during pregame warmups in October 2025, sidelining him from the field for two months. Although he was cleared to practice in December, Richardson did not see playing time the remainder of the season.
In his career, Richardson is 177/350 for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also has 10 rushing touchdowns. He has an 8-7 record as a starter.
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen on Thursday announced his team voted five players to be season-long captains in 2026:
Safety Cam Bynum
Years as captain: 1 (2026 with Colts)
Bynum will wear the green dot this season, showcasing the trust defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has in the dynamic safety to communicate defensive calls. A six-year veteran, Bynum’s football IQ, playmaking streak and joyous celebrations quickly elevated him into a pillar in the Colts’ locker room after signing as a free agent in 2025.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner
Years as captain: 8 (2018-2019 with 49ers, 2021-2026 with Colts)
The 32-year-old Buckner is a consummate professional who’s stood as an ideal example for how to operate both on and off the field over his decade-long career. He’s one of the most widely respected players not only in the Colts’ locker room but across the NFL, and he returns for his seventh season in Indianapolis – from season-ending neck surgery, no less – as an organizational pillar.
Quarterback Daniel Jones
Years as captain: 8 (2019-2024 with Giants, 2025-2026 with Colts)
From the moment he underwent season-ending surgery on a torn Achilles’ last December, Jones was adamant he’d be ready for the start of training camp. Not only did Jones follow through on that goal, but he was more than ready come late July – he had a fantastic training camp in which several teammates said he played so well they forgot he was less than nine months removed from the Achilles’ injury. Jones’ dedicated work ethic quickly earned the respect of his teammates, and the way he operated the Colts’ offense last season only built on the trust the entire locker room has in the 29-year-old quarterback.
COLTS COACH SHANE STEICHEN: https://www.colts.com/video/head-coach-shane-steichen-announces-backup-qb-2026-media-availability-september-3
COLTS QB DANIEL JONES: https://www.colts.com/video/daniel-jones-on-returning-from-injury-keenan-allen-and-being-named-a-colts-captain-2026-media-availability-september-3
COLTS QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON, WR KEENAN ALLEN, K SPENCER SHRADER: https://www.colts.com/video/anthony-richardson-sr-keenan-allen-spencer-shrader-on-roles-for-upcoming-season-2026-media-availability-september-3
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