Colts’ Shocking Move with Anthony Richardson Leaves Fans Speechless

So, here we are, watching the Indianapolis Colts pull what might just be the ultimate “see ya later” to Anthony Richardson—a quarterback once hailed as a physical marvel but who’s now benched, sidelined behind Daniel Jones and rookie Riley Leonard. It’s almost Shakespearean, isn’t it? A prodigy with all the tools in the shed, yet unable to translate that talent into consistent play—or even, it seems, to muster the grit and grace intended for leadership. What really gets me is—how often do we see raw talent wither under the weight of expectations, frustration, and perhaps, a dash of immaturity? Jones, freshly inked to a fat contract as a “backup,” looks like the Colts’ reluctant MVP, while Richardson’s stock is plummeting faster than a tipped pass. Makes you wonder: is this a simple case of the wrong guy, wrong time, or something deeper unraveling in the Colts’ locker room drama? Whatever the answer, the message couldn’t be clearer—Richardson’s chapter in Indianapolis is closing, and soon, maybe forever.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. — (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis Colts turned plenty of heads with their decision to sign Daniel Jones to a lucrative deal this offseason.

Not many teams willingly spend big bucks on a backup quarterback.

Jones beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job, and he’s playing the best football of his career right now.

That seemed to be the beginning of the end of the Richardson era in Indy.

And, judging by their latest decision, they’ve officially given up on him:

“The Colts have made Anthony Richardson the QB3 for today’s game and he’s inactive. Riley Leonard is the backup to Daniel Jones,” Meirov posted on X.

The #Colts have made Anthony Richardson the QB3 for today's game and he's inactive.

Riley Leonard is the backup to Daniel Jones. pic.twitter.com/liOc4tXHYF

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 12, 2025

There have been multiple worrisome reports about Richardson’s maturity, leadership, and work ethic – or lack thereof – so this might be yet another strong message about that.

Perhaps he hasn’t dealt well with this frustration, and head coach Shane Steichen is sending him a clear message.

Richardson is one of the most physically gifted quarterback prospects the league has ever seen, but he hasn’t done much with that.

When he’s been healthy, which hasn’t been often, he’s been the least accurate quarterback in the game.

He may have also lost the locker room when he tapped out of a game because he was tired.

He’s still young enough to be worth a flier, and it now seems like the Colts will gladly send him anywhere.

Of course, it might still be years before he’s healthy to play, if ever, and that significantly narrows down the list of potential destinations.

One thing’s for sure, though.

Unless something pretty unusual happens, he’s not going to take another snap for the Indianapolis Colts.

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