Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has experienced a tumultuous journey in the NFL since being selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. After a season marked by inconsistency, the Indianapolis organization opted to add Daniel Jones in the offseason as they looked ahead to 2025, creating competition for the starting role. As training camp approached, it seemed Richardson was poised to hold on to the starting position despite Jones’ past struggles, including a midseason release from the New York Giants.
However, a significant pre-game incident in Week 6 altered Richardson’s trajectory. During warm-ups, he suffered an eye injury that led to an orbital fracture, necessitating surgery and resulting in his placement on injured reserve. This injury has not only sidelined him from playing but has also shifted the dynamics within the Colts’ quarterback lineup, firmly placing Jones as the starter.
Despite being Jones’ backup this season, Richardson had limited playing opportunities, appearing in only two games. The Colts’ offensive unit has thrived, boasting the top performance metrics according to PFSN’s Offense Impact, which has allowed them to rely heavily on the running game during Richardson’s appearances. In these limited snaps, Richardson has completed just one of two passes for nine yards and has struggled in his rushing attempts, further complicating his prospects.
Since his draft, the expectations for Richardson have been high, but injuries and inconsistent performances have marred his early career. After being restricted to only four games in his rookie season, he played in 11 games the following year, yet his stats raised concerns about his viability as the franchise quarterback. He completed just 47.7% of his passes during that time, throwing for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and a troubling 12 interceptions. Although he showcased his potential as a dual-threat QB, gaining 499 yards on the ground with six touchdowns, his accuracy, especially on shorter passes, has been questioned.
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With Jones stepping into a starting role and performing reasonably well despite his previous turnover issues, Richardson’s future with the Colts remains uncertain. General manager Chris Ballard has affirmed that trading Richardson is not in their plans, leaving his status on the roster open to speculation as the team continues to navigate the season.
As the Colts prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, fantasy analysts are beginning to weigh in on the Colts’ key players. Daniel Jones, despite having a rough outing recently with five turnovers, has occasionally shown his ability to generate strong fantasy performances, especially against teams struggling defensively. Jonathan Taylor is also highlighted, as his consistent appearances in the top ranks of running backs this season could make him an invaluable asset moving into December.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is another player drawing attention; his capacity to perform consistently puts him in contention for being one of the most valuable assets this season. Analysts believe he can navigate potential defensive challenges and maintain his status as a reliable receiver within the Colts’ evolving offensive scheme.
As the Colts look to solidify their identity and build momentum for the remainder of the season, the dynamics between Richardson, Jones, and the overall roster will continue to unfold, keeping fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats.
