Colts head coach Shane Steichen hopes to make a decision on his team's starting quarterback "sooner rather than later," and Saturday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium will carry important weight in when that decision could be made.
And, of course, who the decision will favor.
Through 11 regular practices, one night scrimmage, a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens, a preseason game against the Ravens and a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers, there doesn't appear to be much separation between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr.
Chances are, neither Jones or Richardson will clearly separate himself from the other on Saturday given just how many data points the Colts are evaluating in this process. It's not just the practices, the scrimmage, the joint practices and the games – it's meetings and walkthroughs, too. And a significant chunk of the Colts' evaluation is inscrutable to those without access to the team's offensive meeting room.
"I think that's a big part of it, playing in this league, is the operation of it and moving the ball consistently up and down the field," Steichen said. "Both have been doing a nice job. So, we'll go from there, but I'm pleased with both of them and we'll make that decision when it needs to be made."
Eventually – maybe as soon as next week, maybe later – Steichen will sit down with Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon and general manager Chris Ballard. They'll discuss Jones and Richardson, and Steichen will ultimately make the call on who the team's starting quarterback will be.
And while Saturday's game against the Packers is important, it will be viewed as part of the totality of everything the Colts have looked at from the start of training camp through at least Aug. 16. It could, however, be the final marker in this competition – or the Colts could wait until after next week's practices and preseason finale to make the call on their QB1.
"I think obviously it's a big decision that's got to be made," Steichen said. "And we'll work through it, and I'll have discussions with Carlie and Chris. We'll work through it here soon."
Non-quarterbacks to watch:
RBs D.J. Giddens & Tyler Goodson: Both running backs had solid showings in training camp as they jockey for positioning behind Jonathan Taylor. Goodson, in particular, has thrived in a competitive running back room – despite the Colts drafting Giddens and signing Khalil Herbert as a free agent, he's emerged as a strong competitor to back up Taylor this season.
WR Adonai Mitchell: Arguably no offensive player had more "wow" moments in training camp than Mitchell, who made several spectacular plays at Grand Park. With Alec Pierce nursing a groin injury, look for Mitchell to get an extended run while the Colts' starters are on the field – and even after they exit the game, too.
TE Tyler Warren: Warren's pass-catching skills have been as advertised, from his natural feel for space to his strong hands on contested catches to his smooth and physical YAC ability. Look for Warren to show those talents again on Saturday, but also keep an eye for if he's able to hold the point of attack on running plays, which will be a key part of how the Colts may envision using him on offense this season.
TE Will Mallory: The third-year tight end consistently made plays over the last few weeks of training camp – "completion to 86" was a daily line jotted down in practice note-taking. Mallory showed improved ability to make tight-window catches in traffic, which could get him on the field more this season in certain situations.
C Tanor Bortolini & RG Matt Goncalves: Both young offensive linemen played the entire first half against Baltimore last week, and they could get another extended run together – even after starters exit the game – against the Packers. The more reps Bortolini and Goncalves get, the more opportunities they'll have to improve with an eye on Sept. 7's season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
DE J.T. Tuimoloau: Tuimoloau was disruptive and productive in his preseason debut last week against the Ravens, with a strip sack, two quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss and a pass batted down. With defensive end Kwity Paye missing recent practices with a groin injury, and defensive end Samson Ebukam leaving Thursday's practice with a back injury, Tuimoloau could get an extended opportunity to build on what's been a solid preseason so far.
LBs Cameron McGrone & Joe Bachie: Both linebackers have had standout moments during training camp, and could be on a path from being special teams aces to key members of the Colts' defense this season. We'll see how things shake out over the next few weeks, but both may have a role on Lou Anarumo's defense in 2025.
CBs Johnathan Edwards, Sam Womack III & Alex Johnson: With injuries to four of the Colts' top five cornerbacks entering training camp – Justin Walley (torn ACL) is on injured reserve, while Kenny Moore II (knee), JuJu Brents (hamstring) and Jaylon Jones (hamstring) have all missed practices recently – Saturday will be a significant opportunity, again, for a handful of cornerbacks battling for roster spots. All three of these guys played plenty of snaps against the Ravens; Johnson, who's slid in at the slot in place of Moore, had an interception on the first play of that game.
S Hunter Wohler: The hair-on-fire seventh-rounder has made a strong impression with his physical play style in training camp, and with Nick Cross (hip flexor) out last week, Wohler worked with the Colts' first-team defense. He's been a fun player to watch in training camp, and we'll keep an eye on him Saturday when he can actually tackle someone on offense.
