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Stampede Blue fantasy football takes on Anthony Richardson
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Stampede Blue about Anthony Richardson.
64
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19
Positive
20
Negative
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All Stampede Blue insights about Anthony Richardson
NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Quarterback Anthony Richardson (illness) bounced back from illness this week and is clear to play Sunday, although will be a backup option at his position.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Quarterback Anthony Richardson was limited at practice due to an illness; his status for Sunday is relevant to fantasy considerations given the Colts' week 1 matchup.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Backup QB for the Colts with opportunity contingent on starter Daniel Jones's injury history; the source notes Richardson saw his future with the Colts during the season opener and emphasizes he should be ready at a moment's notice, as QB situations can change rapidly (e.g., Sam Darnold lasted one series for Seattle). The source suggests Richardson's path to playing time is realistic given Jones's injury M.O., though ideally Richardson won't see much time if Jones stays healthy.PositiveDepth ChartSep 8, 2026
Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is listed ahead of 2nd-year quarterback Riley Leonard as the primary backup behind starter Daniel Jones, as was already announced by head coach Shane Steichen.PositiveRoleSep 4, 2026
Richardson has claimed the backup quarterback role for the Indianapolis Colts after a tumultuous path marked by accuracy and injury concerns; the source frames this as a redemption story and notes he is one injury away from resuming the starting quarterback role, a scenario deemed unlikely five months prior.PositiveDepth ChartSep 3, 2026
Anthony Richardson has officially won the Indianapolis Colts' backup quarterback job, earning the QB2 role behind Daniel Jones after a competitive offseason battle with Riley Leonard. Richardson finished the preseason 21-of-33 passing for 249 yards. The source notes Richardson remains raw and inconsistent but is the more physically gifted and experienced option; if the Colts are forced to turn to a backup, Richardson gives them a player with starting experience, elite rushing ability, and a higher immediate ceiling. After requesting a trade in February, Richardson has stabilized his roster spot and remains one injury away from the field.PositiveProjectionSep 3, 2026
The source describes the QB as 'legit' and expresses confidence in his ability; the offense has experienced success and knows what it looks like, and the source believes it is repeatable rather than a fluke.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Anthony Richardson Sr. is the second-string quarterback in the Colts' depth chart behind Daniel Jones and ahead of Riley Leonard.NegativeBustAug 30, 2026
Despite mechanical improvements, Anthony Richardson continues to struggle with consistency and mental errors in 2026 preseason. The source highlights poor ball placement caused by sloppy mechanics, miscommunications on route conversions versus press coverage (missing what should be easy touchdowns), and fumbles—particularly noting that after putting the ball on the ground repeatedly in his career, a fumble in New England during a preseason tryout for NFL teams further damages his narrative and marketability.PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
Anthony Richardson has shown mechanical improvement in 2026 preseason, particularly in relaxed throwing motion on short throws and speed outs; his footwork is more calm on certain plays, and he's making easier throws look easier. Most notably, he demonstrated high-level pre-snap recognition and decision-making on a Cover Zero beater play against the Lions, recognizing the blitz, adjusting protection by bringing in a tight end, signaling receivers to convert routes, and executing the throw on time despite a bad snap.NegativeProjectionAug 30, 2026
Anthony Richardson's 2026 preseason film is described as another rollercoaster; the source notes his tenure with the Colts has produced jaw-dropping highs and embarrassing lows, with the central question being whether any team wants to commit to his development. The source expects Richardson to either be traded or request his release during the season, viewing him as better suited for a team developing him into a future starter rather than the Colts' need for a reliable immediate option.PositiveProjectionAug 29, 2026
Fourth overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft started with first-team offensive line in preseason finale; completed 7-of-10 passes for 80 yards across 17 snaps with one sack. Over three preseason games, Richardson finished 21-for-33 with 249 passing yards, one interception, 68 rushing yards on 10 carries, one rushing touchdown, and one fumble. The source notes Richardson 'clearly outperformed Leonard to earn the backup job' based on preseason performance, catching rhythm with the second unit that was absent when Leonard played.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
The primary backup quarterback job behind starter Daniel Jones appears to be Richardson's, as he completed 7 of 10 passes for 80 total passing yards in the preseason finale. He hit the layups, had a few good throws, and did nothing to hurt his stock in this one, maintaining his position as the presumed QB2.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Backup QB starting the preseason finale for the second time; appears to be in the driver's seat for the primary backup QB job behind Daniel Jones, though a poor performance or trade could elevate Riley Leonard back into contention.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
QB2 candidate continued to play well in preseason week 2, though not quite at the level of his week 1 performance. Despite facing the Falcons' fourth and fifth-string defensive players, Richardson made plays expected of a backup, including one notable play where he broke a sack, avoided a tackler, and pushed two defenders forward to pick up a first down. The source notes this type of consistent play would keep the team afloat if the starter needs to miss time.NegativeDepth ChartAug 28, 2026
Richardson's future with the Colts remains uncertain amid trade rumors. Benjamin Allbright reported that multiple quarterbacks, including Richardson, have had calls placed on them to varying degrees of interest. The Colts have made Daniel Jones the starter with Richardson competing with rookie Riley Leonard for the backup job. While Indianapolis has publicly backed Richardson and stated plans to keep three quarterbacks, his inclusion in trade chatter reflects how quickly his situation has changed from being the franchise's future two years ago. The decision to move him would depend on receiving sufficient value in return, as he remains a high-upside backup due to his age, draft pedigree (No. 4 overall pick in 2023), size, arm strength, and athletic ability.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Looked uncomfortable against the Falcons' second and third units in the preseason game; the source notes that neither quarterback in the battle appeared to want the job, with Richardson's performance raising questions about his readiness in the quarterback competition.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Richardson's career was on life support after the Colts sought trade partners, but he has a legitimate chance to make the roster as QB2 in 2026. The source notes that if he beats out Riley Leonard for the backup slot, "the improbable becomes reality." A strong preseason outing against the Patriots gave him signs of life, and he is one injury away from potential redemption if he can regain that form and Leonard continues to underperform. However, the source emphasizes this requires multiple conditions: Leonard must continue to look subpar, Richardson must turn in quality work going forward, and he cannot waste the opportunity if given a chance, as this may be his last shot to resurrect his NFL career.PositiveDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. will start the preseason finale against the Lions, a move the source characterizes as a vote of confidence from head coach Shane Steichen and the Colts offensive coaching staff. Richardson Sr. has outplayed 2nd-year challenger Riley Leonard through two preseason games for the team's QB2 job; he has shown dynamic ability with his speed, athleticism, and legs, and brings starting experience and four years in Steichen's offense. The winner of this competition will be the primary backup to Daniel Jones, with the loser relegated to QB3.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
The source expresses concern about the quarterback situation, noting that if the starter is lost, the Colts' chances at competing are greatly diminished; while neither backup would look as good as Jones looked last year, the source won't be shocked if the team receives an offer from another team that loses their starting quarterback and Ballard accepts a trade for Richardson.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Richardson had two fantastic drives last week against the Patriots with the 2s that led to points, positioning him as a strong competitor in the QB2 battle. However, the source cautions that fans may be overly emotional about Richardson due to his Florida Gators history and warns against crowning him QB2 prematurely, noting that Leonard also made big throws on third down and did not turn the ball over, keeping the race very tight.PositiveProjectionAug 22, 2026
In the QB2 race, Anthony Richardson Sr. wasn't particularly sharp in preseason action, completing 3 of 9 pass attempts for 24 passing yards while playing behind Indy's offensive line of 3s, but the source assesses him as the better bet to be the Colts QB2 right now compared to Riley Leonard, citing his greater mobility as a key advantage.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
Third-string quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. entered the game with the third-string offense but could not spark the Colts' stagnant attack despite his athleticism; he completed just 3-of-9 passes for 24 passing yards and added 15 rushing yards on three carries, nearly threw an interception while escaping pressure in his own end zone, and was stuffed at the line of scrimmage.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Richardson's decision-making and protection recognition on the Colts' Choice + Snag Basic concept—a base play run at least once per preseason game—has been scrutinized across two preseason reps (2024 Baltimore and 2026 New England). In Baltimore, Richardson failed to recognize a free rusher on a Whip Fire Zone pressure in 5-man protection, taking a massive shot; the Colts slid protection toward his first read (the choice route) rather than away from it, creating ambiguity about whether the issue was Richardson's lack of understanding or poor play design. In New England, the Colts redesigned the play to slide away from the choice, suggesting the staff felt the 2024 protection scheme was flawed; Richardson threw into quasi-double coverage on the choice route rather than progressing to the Snag side. The source notes that in year 3, Richardson may have more autonomy to dictate slides, and the Colts appear unlikely to rely on this concept if Richardson sees action in 2026, indicating the staff has lost confidence in his execution of this particular play call.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Anthony Richardson Sr. will come in relief of Riley Leonard to start the second half of the Colts' preseason game against the Falcons.PositiveDepth ChartAug 21, 2026
Ed Dodds has publicly vouched for Richardson, signaling confidence in his roster spot; the source expects him to remain on the 53-man roster as the backup quarterback behind Daniel Jones.PositiveProjectionAug 21, 2026
Anthony Richardson Sr. completed 5-of-7 passes in Thursday's joint-practice, with his best moment coming during the final one-minute drill while leading the second unit. In a scenario where the offense was trailing by one point with 1:05 remaining, Richardson needed just two plays to move into Falcons territory, connecting with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine over the middle, then finding Deion Burks wide open on a drag route. Despite bobbling a couple high snaps in opposing territory, Richardson was still able to hit Burks on a slant before finding Coleman Owen on a quick out route, with the Colts converting the two-minute drill scenario.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Anthony Richardson was the previous starter before Jones; an ill-advised sack in preseason led to Jones becoming the starter. The source notes that Colts fans did not even know Jones would be the starter until this injury occurred. More Richardson jerseys may have been purchased than previous Colts QBs, as the 4th overall pick represented the future.PositiveUsageAug 18, 2026
In his 2026 preseason debut against New England, Richardson Sr. completed 11 of 14 pass attempts (78.6%) for 145 passing yards and 1 interception (which the source notes should've been caught), adding 53 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown on 6 carries. The source highlights his dynamic rushing ability and ability to make plays outside the pocket and downfield as standout traits on display in the exhibition game.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
The Colts plan to retain Richardson Sr. as their backup QB for 2026 after he requested a trade earlier in the offseason; the source notes that while meaningful trade value didn't materialize, the team believes he has value and upside. Richardson is entering the last year of his rookie contract and could see opportunity given Daniel Jones' injury history (torn Achilles, durability concerns dating to his Giants tenure).NegativeProjectionAug 16, 2026
Backup quarterback showed up-and-down performance in red zone work but demonstrated impressive chemistry with Colts wideout Raylen Sharpe, connecting on multiple receiving touchdowns during red zone drills.NegativeProjectionAug 15, 2026
Richardson showed the same pattern as in prior evaluations: more effective with his legs than his arm. He committed two turnovers and scored only 7 points by halftime in a deficit situation. The source suggests treating him as a 3rd-string QB option and recommends packaging him in gadget plays to remain relevant; if unreceptive, he should be informed of his 3rd-string status and held through free agency as a potential cheap backup prospect.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
The source views the Anthony Richardson experiment as over; while Richardson had a solid preseason showcase, the source questions whether that performance is enough to move the needle on his trade value, which remains next to nothing. The source suggests the Colts may end up trading their former 4th overall pick for a conditional late day 3 pick or releasing him on cutdown day.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Richardson showcased explosive dual-threat ability in preseason debut: 11-of-14 passing for 145 yards, 53 rushing yards on 6 carries (including a 22-yard read-option run and 7-yard scramble), and a rushing touchdown. Despite early turnovers (1 INT, 1 fumble), he demonstrated strong arm talent on deep routes and play-action execution, finishing strong with consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter and first half finale.NegativeProjectionAug 14, 2026
Started rusty with an errant first throw and interception (though the pass was inaccurate and the decision questionable), but settled in as the game progressed. Finished 11 of 14 for 145 passing yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, plus 53 rushing yards and 1 TD on 6 carries. Showcased dynamic running ability but still needs to eliminate erratic plays like an unnecessary fumble after picking up 10 yards. The source notes his performance would play for the Colts as QB2, suggesting he's on track as a backup option.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Richardson started and played the entire first half against the Patriots in a preseason showcase. The source notes he displayed the usual highs and lows: rough start with early turnovers and poor reads (Throw 1 and Throw 3), but settled in nicely on later drives with several well-executed throws (Throws 6, 7, 11, 12). His best throw came late in the game—an absolute strike to the tight end in stride on Throw 12. The source concludes Richardson still lacks consistency and isn't ready to command a full NFL offense, but suggests he could benefit from a limited package of designed runs, RPOs, and select pass plays to showcase his explosiveness.NegativeRoleAug 13, 2026
Starting quarterback in the Colts' preseason opener against the Patriots; competing for the QB2 role behind starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who will rest all preseason. A strong performance could help Richardson Sr.'s case for earning the backup job.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Anthony Richardson getting the start in the preseason game likely does not mean much; Leonard will get the nod in game 2, so both will have equal time with the second string. The team may not announce a winner once the season starts; they can keep three QBs without roster discomfort, so as long as DJ is healthy, there is no need to announce the backup. Richardson is staying unless Ballard's price is met and could get the second string designation as a bargaining chip.NegativeBustAug 12, 2026
The source characterizes Richardson's tenure as a failed experiment; drafted 4th overall by the Colts, he has displayed some of the worst accuracy the league has ever witnessed, suffered durability issues despite being a project prospect, and is now one subpar outing away from being cut after lasting only 4.5 games as a bright spot. The source argues this may rank as one of the worst picks in franchise history, attributing the failure to both accuracy problems and evidence of college durability concerns that Ballard should have recognized.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson will start the preseason opener against the New England Patriots in the first half, with Riley Leonard taking over in the second half. Richardson has shown occasional highlight-reel throws in camp but struggles with consistency and fumbled snap issues; head coach Shane Steichen emphasized the need to eliminate unnecessary turnovers and clarify whether snap problems are aberrations or signs of lingering vision concerns.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Former fourth overall pick dealing with injury concerns and was on the trade block all offseason; his stock is at its lowest point. He must impress in Thursday's game against the Patriots to stay in contention for the backup role. The source states he will have to be twice as good as Leonard for consideration and must win back the trust of Shane Steichen, his teammates, and the fans. A poor performance Thursday could signal the end of his opportunity with the team.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Listed as co-No. 2 quarterback alongside Riley Leonard on the Colts' depth chart, competing for the backup job; will split reps with Leonard in Thursday's preseason game against New England while Daniel Jones rests.NegativeRoleAug 10, 2026
Backup QB Anthony Richardson will rotate with Riley Leonard in Thursday's preseason opener; has shown inconsistency throughout training camp and has not clearly separated from Leonard in the QB2 competition; is a free agent at year-end with a trade request already submitted, meaning the Colts' default business logic favors Leonard's development over Richardson's, and Richardson must excel across training camp, preseason, and off-field work to win the QB2 job.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Anthony Richardson threw an accurate deep pass to a rookie wide receiver during training camp, demonstrating arm strength and connection with pass catchers in early August drills.NegativeInjuryAug 10, 2026
Richardson's passing accuracy remains a critical deficiency; a freak medical band accident during pre-game work in Week 6 last season caused him to miss the remaining 2025 season, and vision concerns from that incident may not have fully recovered yet, as evidenced by trouble handling snaps in training camp.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Ian Rapoport reports he wouldn't be surprised if Richardson has played his last down with the Colts; competing for QB2 role behind starter Daniel Jones but has failed to separate himself from 2nd-year backup Riley Leonard in training camp. Richardson's trade value is low despite an active trade request, and vision concerns from a medical band incident during pre-game work last season may not have fully recovered, further torpedoing his trade prospects.NegativeDepth ChartAug 9, 2026
Anthony Richardson had a rocky showing at training camp on Saturday, though there has been no official demotion announced. The performance raises questions about his depth chart standing and role security despite the lack of formal roster moves.NegativeRoleAug 8, 2026
The backup QB received fewer reps than Riley Leonard in the backup QB competition. Richardson's work was more limited after he received just two plays in the initial red zone team period with the third unit. Rob Carter Jr. later jumped a curl route near the pylon to pick off Anthony Richardson on his first throw with the second-team offense, indicating early struggles in the backup competition.NegativeDepth ChartAug 7, 2026
Anthony Richardson participated in training camp at Grand Park, with section title 'Richardson "Rollercoaster" Run at QB2' indicating variable performance evaluation at the backup quarterback position during the preseason.NegativeBustAug 7, 2026
Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.'s turbulent training camp continued with persistent ball security issues. The fourth-year quarterback again struggled with ball security, dropping another snap with the second unit, and was later picked off after forcing a throw over the middle that sailed high.NegativeDepth ChartAug 5, 2026
Anthony Richardson is working with the second-team defense during training camp, indicating variable performance and depth-chart positioning behind the primary starter.NegativeProjectionAug 1, 2026
Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. earned a 'Play of Day' recognition but continues to show snap struggles during training camp, indicating inconsistent performance in early camp work.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Competing for the backup quarterback job with Leonard entering his fourth NFL season. Delivered arguably the highlight of training camp on Friday while leading the third-team offense, selling a play-action fake before unleashing a 50-yard touchdown pass to Sahmir Hagans down the far right sideline—showcasing his rocket arm talent that has always made him dangerous. However, Richardson struggled with ball security, dropping two snaps and bobbling at least three others throughout practice, with two consecutive mishandled snaps ending the final team period immediately after his electrifying play.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Competing for the backup quarterback job with Leonard entering his fourth NFL season. Delivered arguably the highlight of training camp on Friday while leading the third-team offense, executing a play-action fake before throwing a 50-yard touchdown pass to Sahmir Hagans down the far right sideline that drew the largest roar of the week. However, Richardson struggled with ball security, dropping two snaps and bobbling at least three others throughout practice, with two consecutive mishandled snaps ending the final team period immediately after his electrifying play. The source notes his rocket arm talent remains dangerous despite the ball security concerns.NegativeProjectionJul 30, 2026
QB Anthony Richardson Sr. sailed a pass intended for rookie receiver Deion Burks during 7-on-7 drills, which was intercepted by cornerback Cameron Mitchell and returned for a touchdown. However, Richardson responded in the final team session with perhaps his best throw of the morning, firing a strike over 20 yards downfield to receiver Anthony Gould on play action.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Backup QB threw a sail pass intended for rookie receiver Deion Burks that was intercepted by cornerback Cameron Mitchell for a defensive touchdown during 7-on-7 drills; responded in final team session with perhaps his best throw of the morning, a strike over 20 yards downfield to receiver Anthony Gould on play action.NegativeDepth ChartJul 30, 2026
Received second-team snaps over Darius Leonard in initial training camp practices; the source suggests low confidence in Richardson's long-term future with the Colts, noting that if a starting QB goes down elsewhere, a fourth-round pick would likely be offered and accepted for him.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Received second-team snaps over Leonard in training camp; the source expresses skepticism about Richardson's future with the Colts, noting that while the team's outward line is that he remains a valuable member expected to succeed, the source believes if a starting QB elsewhere goes down, a fourth-round pick would be offered and accepted for Richardson.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Anthony Richardson is beginning his run as QB2 for the Colts during training camp day 1, confirming his backup quarterback role behind Daniel Jones.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Split second-team opportunities with Riley Leonard throughout practice to compete for the backup quarterback job behind Daniel Jones.NegativeDepth ChartJul 29, 2026
Richardson's offseason trade request remains active, but the Colts have appreciated the positional competition between him and Riley Leonard behind Daniel Jones and don't plan to 'give him away' by any means. Richardson is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Indianapolis would save $5.385M if traded this season. GM Chris Ballard insinuated Richardson still has a bright future in the league, though stopped short of committing to keeping him with the Colts. The source suggests if the Colts receive meaningful trade return value, they may move him; otherwise, he'll compete for QB2 reps in training camp and preseason.NegativeProjectionJul 27, 2026
Richardson's health and performance are the primary determinant of the Colts' division and playoff viability. If fully healthy and playing at his best stretch level from last season, the Colts can be competitive for the AFC South; if average, limited by his Achilles injury, or inconsistent against better teams, winning the division becomes impossible. His stability is also critical to the over 7.5 wins bet—eight wins should be within reach if he provides stable quarterback play for a full season, but if he misses time or regresses, the Colts could slide back toward seven wins or worse.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Beyond on-field performance, Richardson's 'tap-out' game against Houston raises questions about his toughness, preparedness, mental fortitude, and desire to win—factors that teams weigh when deciding whether to trade assets for him. The source notes these concerns are 'fair or not' a factor in trade market decisions. His best path forward is impressing in training camp with the Colts, but the organization's plan does not include him.NegativeProjectionJul 22, 2026
Richardson's 2024 completion percentage of 44.4% ranks him among the least accurate quarterbacks in the last 24 years, severely limiting his trade value and on-field reliability. The source characterizes him as 'damaged goods' with no consistent dual-threat ability despite his arm talent, noting he 'can't pass and doesn't run as much as he could.' His injury history—ranging from two-game absences to massive season chunks—has completely derailed momentum and made him unreliable. The Colts' plan does not include Richardson moving forward.