Preseason Updates: Indianapolis Colts

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Updates from Week 2

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo reported the preseason plan was for Anthony Richardson Sr. to start the opener and play a quarter and a half, with Daniel Jones finishing the half, then reversing roles in Week 2. That schedule changed when Richardson suffered a broken right pinky on an unblocked blitz during the second drive. Steichen called him day-to-day, and X-rays showed no extensive damage. Richardson returned to practice Saturday with his finger taped, gripping and throwing without issue. He played just six snaps in the opener, going 1-of-6 passing with a rushing touchdown. Richardson said the sack happened partly because he misdiagnosed the Ravens' blitz, allowing David Ojabo a free rush. "I have to be sharper with my Ps and Qs," Richardson said. Jones took over earlier than planned and went 10-of-21 for 144 yards, with one touchdown erased by a penalty. Steichen praised his scramble plays and chunk throws. In joint practice earlier in the week, Richardson went 10-of-13 and Jones 14-of-17 in team periods. On Saturday, Jones went 5-of-6 with two touchdown passes to Adonai Mitchell. Rookie Riley Leonard played the second half of the opener, finishing 12-of-24 for 92 yards with one interception and 34 rushing yards while leading the only touchdown drive. Ballard said in January that Richardson's injury history, including 17 missed games in two seasons, was a major reason for signing Jones.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

Jonathan Taylor remains the centerpiece of the backfield and sat out the preseason opener along with several other starters. The offense is built around his dynamic rushing and receiving ability, and his health is crucial given he has missed time in each of the last three seasons. Rookie DJ Giddens has been the clear story behind him, impressing with his pass-catching and versatility. He routinely catches 80 to 100 passes daily on the JUGS machine and has earned praise from offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for adapting to multiple roles and run schemes. In the first half of the opener, Giddens split work with Tyler Goodson, a notable sign for a Day 3 rookie, and showed he can handle every-down duties rather than being limited to passing situations. The rest of the depth chart is unsettled, with Goodson in the mix and Ulysses Bentley IV and Khalil Herbert competing for spots. Bentley led the team with 35 rushing yards against Baltimore, while Herbert was a second-half contributor. The priority remains finding a reliable complement to Taylor who can keep the offense balanced if called upon.