WESTFIELD, Ind. -- The Indianapolis Colts' quarterback room continues to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason, and Wednesday's practice provided the clearest picture yet of where things stand as the team pushes through organized team activities (OTAs).
According to reports from the session, Daniel Jones -- the former New York Giants starter who signed with Indy this spring while recovering from a torn Achilles -- participated in individual drills for the first time during these OTAs. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson, the team's incumbent starter and 2023 first-round pick, took the first reps during 11-on-11 team periods.
The update represents a meaningful step forward in Jones' recovery and adds substantial clarity to the team's quarterback hierarchy as the summer program unfolds.
Jones Back in the Drill Work
Jones' participation in individual drills is significant. The 28-year-old quarterback suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8 of the 2024 season, an injury that effectively ended his tenure with the Giants. Indianapolis signed him this spring to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, a move widely viewed as both an insurance policy for Richardson and a low-risk flier on a former top-10 pick.
For weeks, Jones had been limited to sideline work and conditioning. Being cleared for individual drills -- footwork, dropbacks, throwing in the air -- suggests he has passed key medical milestones. It does not, however, mean he is ready for team reps against a live defense. The next threshold will be seeing him take snaps in 7-on-7 work, and eventually in the competitive 11-on-11 periods that simulate game conditions.
"It's a process," head coach Shane Steichen said of the approach with Jones' rehab earlier this spring. "We're going to be smart and methodical about it. He's been putting in the work, and we're pleased with where he's at."
The Colts have been deliberate with Jones' return. There is no need to rush. The season opener is more than three months away, and if the goal is to have him fully cleared by training camp, this timeline aligns perfectly. Individual drills in late May suggest he will be ready for full participation when veterans report in late July.
Richardson Leading the Way
While Jones' progress is noteworthy, the headline from Wednesday's practice was that Anthony Richardson was the first quarterback up in 11-on-11 drills -- not Jones, and not Joe Flacco, who is no longer with the team -- but the player the Colts drafted fourth overall three years ago.
Richardson's 2024 season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, limiting him to just four starts. That abbreviated season left the Colts -- and their fanbase -- with more questions than answers. Can he stay healthy? Has his accuracy improved? Is he truly the franchise cornerstone the front office believed he was when they made him the face of the rebuild?
Wednesday's practice doesn't answer those questions, but it does reinforce the organizational pecking order. Richardson is the starter. The job is his to lose. The coaching staff, led by Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, has designed the offense around Richardson's unique skill set -- his arm strength, mobility, and ability to extend plays and create explosive gains.
Taking the first 11-on-11 reps is a subtle but clear message: Anthony Richardson is QB1.
"He's worked extremely hard this offseason," Steichen said earlier this month. "You can see it in his mechanics, in his decision-making. He's putting in the time, and we're excited to see that translate onto the field."
What Wednesday's Practice Means for the QB Competition
Let's be direct: There is currently no quarterback competition in Indianapolis -- at least not one that jeopardizes Richardson's starting role.
Daniel Jones was brought in to provide experienced depth behind a young, injury-prone starter. He is not here to push Richardson for the starting job. He is here in case Richardson suffers another injury -- a real concern given the shoulder and concussion issues that have plagued the young quarterback since college.
That said, Jones is a wild card. If Richardson struggles with accuracy or decision-making during training camp, and Jones looks sharp in his return from injury, the conversation could shift. Jones has 57 career starts, over 14,000 passing yards, and 70 touchdowns. He even won a playoff game. The Colts would be remiss not to have that internal discussion if circumstances warrant.
For now, though, the depth chart is clear:
QB1: Anthony Richardson
QB2: Daniel Jones (when healthy)
QB3: Riley Leonard
QB4: Seth Henigan
Riley Leonard, a second-year player free agent out of Notre Dame, has generated some quiet buzz in the building for his athleticism and poise. Henigan, a Memphis product, is regarded as a developmental prospect. But neither poses a realistic threat to the two veterans above.
The Bigger Picture: Colts QB Room Reshaped
The Colts' quarterback room has been completely reshaped since last season. Former starter Gardner Minshew left in free agency. Veteran mentor Joe Flacco is no longer on the roster. In their place, general manager Chris Ballard invested in a high-upside reclamation project in Jones and a pair of young, inexpensive rookies.
The theory is sound. If Richardson takes the leap, the Colts have a dynamic dual-threat quarterback capable of leading them to the playoffs. If he falters or gets hurt, Jones provides a veteran stopgap who can competently run Steichen's system. And if neither works long-term, the team hasn't mortgaged its future to find out.
Jones' deal is a one-year prove-it contract with low guaranteed money. The Colts can move on after the season with no dead cap implications. That flexibility is crucial as the team evaluates its long-term plan at football's most important position.
What to Watch Next
The next milestone for Jones will be his integration into 7-on-7 drills -- a true test of his mobility and confidence in his repaired Achilles. Cutting, scrambling, and throwing on the move will determine whether he's physically ready for live team work.
For Richardson, the focus remains consistency. He has all the physical tools -- arm strength, mobility, and size. What he needs are reps, experience, and improved processing of defenses. Every 11-on-11 rep he takes this spring and summer is invaluable.
The Colts open the 2026 regular season against the Tennessee Titans in September. Between now and then, both quarterbacks have plenty of work ahead. Wednesday's practice was a small but positive step on a long road.
In a league where quarterback health can make or break a season, having two players with starting experience competing and recovering in the same building is a luxury. For the first time in a while, the Colts have options -- and that's a very good place to be.