Anthony Richardson’s 2025 season campaign has been a rather disappointing one. Coming into the season, he lost the starting role to now injured quarterback, Daniel Jones. Then, in Week 6, he suffered a devastating injury. Richardson fractured his orbital bone when a band broke off in his locker and hit him in the face. After the injury, he was presumed to miss the rest of the 2025 season. However, on Thursday, December 18th, the Colts opened Richardsons’ 21 day practice window. Which leads to a big question. What will Anthony Richardson’s role be in the remaining games this season?
The Young Pup vs. The Old Bull
Even though Richardson’s practice window was opened, veteran quarterback Philip Rivers will still be the starter on Monday night against the 49ers. Head coach Shane Steichen made this decision days prior to the recent activation of Richardson. As stated last week, Steichen is comfortable with Rivers operating the offense due to the fact of his knowledge of it. Rivers also didn’t play badly last week against the Seahawks as well. So, it was assumed Rivers would get the starting nod in week 16.
Major changes to Anthony Richardson’s role this week were not expected either. The 23-year-old quarterback hasn’t been through a full practice since October 10th. Although it was reported that he has been doing some throwing for the last 2 weeks. Richardson will still have to get through full practices before getting back in the starting role. He did participate in practice on Thursday, but was listed as limited. Steichen did say that there are still some limitations. When asked about them, Richardson didn’t seem to be worried about any limitations.
Elevating the Offense
Now, if Anthony Richardson’s role is returned to being the starter, it could definitely elevate the offense. Richardson has the physical talents that could really help this current offense. As of right now, the likelihood of the Colts pushing the ball down the field is low. If Richardson were to return to the starting role, it is well known that he has the arm to make big plays happen. The Colts have one of the best deep ball playmakers in the league in Alec Pierce. If that option is available, it can open up the rest of the offense to get clicking.
The Colts offense is also heavily based on the RPO and play-action bootleg. Yes, Philip Rivers can run the RPO schemes. But when it comes to the bootleg schemes, Richardson will have the advantage. It’s not a secret that 23-year-old Richardson is more mobile than 44-year-old Rivers. When the Colts offense was at its best this season, it was Daniel Jones being able to move outside the pocket on those bootleg plays. Whether that was him dumping the ball off to one of his playmakers, or him just getting yards with his legs. Richardson’s mobility could pay dividends for this offense. The issue just comes down to the mental side of the game, where he has struggled over the course of his short career.
The “Wow Factor”
It’s not a secret that Richardson has some of the best physical tangibles in the game. Standing at 6′ 4″ and 245 pounds, Richardson has the potential to be the most dominant player on the field. Right now, the Colts need a spark to get into the playoffs. They basically need to win out to get into the postseason. If the Colts win Monday, it sets them up against 2 divisional opponents with great defenses to end the year. With Indy’s current standing, they will need to be able to throw everything they have against Jacksonville and Houston. Insert the “wow factor” that is Anthony Richardson.
Confidence for the Future
The Colts are still up in the air with what they have at quarterback next season. If Anthony Richardson’s role returns to starter, and he has some success, it can build confidence for the future. Not only for the franchise, but for himself as well. If they allow him to play at the end of the season, and he gets Indy into the playoffs, it will more than likely cement his role for 2026.
Even if the playoffs become out of reach, Indy should still play Richardson. One of the main issues with Richardson coming into the NFL and during his first 3 years has been live reps. So, it wouldn’t damage his development by any means, letting him play out the rest of 2025 if cleared to do so.
Richardson’s role right now is based on many hypotheticals and question marks. Is he cleared to play? Will he play? What does the relationship between Richardson and the Colts look like? Nobody outside of Richardson and the Colts knows the answer to any of these questions. What is known is that Richardson has a skillset not many possess. Will that skillset be used in a starting role, a backup role, or possibly not even at all for the remainder of the 2025 season?
Main Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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