Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has returned to the team after a year-long absence, raising questions about whether he will reclaim his starting role. The 2023 first-round draft pick missed the entire 2025 season, though the specific reason for his absence was not detailed in the initial report.
Richardson, who started nine games as a rookie in 2023 before a season-ending shoulder injury, showed flashes of his dual-threat potential with 577 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, along with 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. His return adds a significant variable to the Colts' quarterback room heading into the 2026 campaign.
The Colts have not officially named a starter for the upcoming season. Veteran backup Gardner Minshew started 13 games in 2025, throwing for 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns. The competition between Richardson and Minshew is expected to be a focal point of Indianapolis' training camp.
