The Indianapolis Colts appear to be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL season so far, and much of that is due to the way starting quarterback Daniel Jones is playing. Ahead of a Week 8 matchup with the 1-6 Tennessee Titans, they received some significant news regarding the quarterback position.
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson sustained a brutal eye injury during a Colts’ warmup earlier this season. That required a surgery to repair the orbital fracture, which, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, occurred on Monday, Oct. 20.
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According to Rapoport (via sources), that actually gives Richardson a chance to return this season with the Colts. He’s been a name floated as a potential trade candidate due to how well Jones is playing.
During a segment on NFL Network’s “NFL Insiders” earlier today, Rapoport also reported that he’s been told the Colts want to extend Jones to a long-term contract extension.
“But this is clear what they have been doing with Daniel Jones as the quarterback has been remarkable,” Rapoport said, before mentioning Richardson’s surgery and his chance of returning this season.
The Richardson news arrives after there had been trade rumors swirling about the Colts’ backup quarterback, suggesting he might be on the move at some point.
Earlier this month, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Richardson indicated he is “open” to possibly being traded to a team that might use him more. In addition, ESPN’s Dan Graziano stated “a couple of teams” had interest if the Colts might be open to a trade during this past offseason.
His eye injury occurred within two weeks of the reports that he was open to a trade, which seemingly set back the possibility. However, the more recent news from Rapoport is encouraging, at least from the standpoint that he’ll be available if the Colts need him to step in for Jones.
Richardson started in 15 games from 2023 onward, with his most, 11 starts, in 2024. He led the team to a 6-5 record in those games with 1,814 passing yards and eight touchdowns on 126-of-264 completed passes.
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