The Colts’ two-man quarterback race got off to an underwhelming start Wednesday with Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson struggling “to find a rhythm” as training camp began.
Richardson, the team’s first-round pick in 2023 who is currently grappling with a shoulder injury, “struggled with his anticipation and accuracy,” according to The New York Times, which noted he worked with the starters for the last two team periods and went 4-of-11 passing.
That doesn’t all fall on Richardson, however, as wide receivers Ashton Dulin and Michael Pittman Jr., as well as running back Jonathan Taylor, all had drops The Times reported.
“I still got a lot of work to do, and I still gotta get that (starting) job. … Work not done,” Richardson,23, said.
In order to secure the Colts’ QB1 job, Richardson will have to outplay Jones, who worked with the starters during the two opening team periods and went 6-of-7 passing.
The former Giants quarterback, who was released from the team last November to end a rocky five-and-a-half season tenure, was also intercepted Wednesday.
“There’s so much work to do, especially for me learning the system, getting to know the guys, communication with coaches,” Jones said. “I think there’s plenty to kind of stay busy with and focus on that.”
Richardson and Jones, 28, are both eager to turn the page on what were disappointing 2024 campaigns.
The ex-Giant was benched after a dismal 2-8 start just two years into a four-year, $160 million extension.
Jones briefly joined the Vikings following his Giants release, and later signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in free agency.
The Colts went 8-9 last season, with Richardson starting in 11 games.
His sophomore season wasn’t without controversy as he stunningly pulled himself out of a Week 8 loss to the Texans mid-game because he “needed a break.”
The Colts benched Richardson in the aftermath before tossing him the keys again later in the season.
As Richardson approaches his third season in the league, he’s striving to be the best version of himself.
“There are definitely things I could have worked on last year, so I am trying to improve on that and make sure I’m just available for the team whenever they need me,” he said.
The Colts host the Dolphins in their season opener on Sept. 7.