Full Breakdown
Anthony Richardson’s 2026 Preseason: Snap Struggles, Backup Competition, and Uncertain Future
8/10/2026, 12:05:23 AM
Background & Context
Former fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson entered his fourth NFL season after starting 15 games in his first two years and losing the starting role in Year 3. Colts general manager Chris Ballard later said Richardson was “still recovering a little bit.”
Core Event – Preseason Camp Challenges
During the 2026 training camp, Richardson has repeatedly missed shotgun snaps and fumbled under-center snaps. He attributes part of the difficulty to the constant rotation of centers on the second- and third-team units, which gives him “different landmarks on the snaps.” The tempo increased once pads were introduced, turning drills into “more live-game reps” rather than 7-on-7 work. Richardson has been experimenting with hand placement to improve his catch, saying the adjustment “has been helping.”
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 600 days have passed since Richardson’s last meaningful NFL snap.
- The backup dropped five snaps on July 31, three days before the team added pads.
- Richardson triggered a $4.2 million roster bonus in early August, leaving a $1.145 million base salary for the final year of his rookie contract.
- He will compete with second-year rookie Riley Leonard (a 2025 sixth-round pick) for the backup quarterback role.
Official Statements & Responses
He also framed Richardson’s snap issues as a matter of concentration: “Just getting the snaps, seeing it in, and go from there.”
General manager Chris Ballard reiterated that Richardson is still in recovery, without confirming whether his vision has fully returned.
He added that his trade-request status is unclear, stating he has not spoken to his agent recently.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s been good switching out reps with the twos and the threes, and you get different centers out there, and (the coaches) are trying to figure out who’s going to be the backup,” — Anthony Richardson
- “I think just because of the tempo with everything sped up once you put the pads on, it’s a more live-game rep – not just 7-on-7,” — Anthony Richardson
- “Just getting the snaps, seeing it in, and go from there,” — Shane Steichen, colts head coach
- “Those guys are battling. It’s back-and-forth right now. Obviously, we will grade the tape, go through it and get better every day. I think there’s been flashes (of good things from both players), but there’s got to be work done for sure.” — Anthony Richardson
- “If that’s what the team wants, that’s what I want,” — Richardson Sunday
What’s Next
The Colts will field Richardson in the Thursday preseason game in Foxboro, Massachusetts, providing his first live-action snaps since the injury. Barring an injury to starter Daniel Jones, Richardson’s next regular-season start would likely come with another team if a trade materializes. The outcome of the preseason competition will determine whether he remains on Indianapolis’ 53-man roster for the 2026 regular season.
