Anthony Richardson makes an early connection as Colts QB battle tightens

In the Colts’ preseason finale, Anthony Richardson had a strong moment on his first pass, finding Keenan Allen quickly as Indianapolis evaluated its quarterback depth.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback depth competition took another turn in the preseason finale, with Anthony Richardson Sr. getting the start and making an immediate impact on his first attempt. Richardson played a little less than a half, and he used the early reps to set a positive tone, including a first-pass completion to Keenan Allen that stood out in his day.

The storyline around Richardson remains less about a single series and more about opportunity. The quarterback picture in Indianapolis includes more than one evaluation track, and preseason games often serve as the clearest venue for staff comparisons: who handles the pace, who runs the offense cleanly when protections and coverages vary, and who sustains execution as the game shifts.

According to the report, Richardson does not know what the future holds, but he is trying to take advantage of the chances he is given. That framing matters in a QB2 battle because it captures what teams are usually seeking from the player not penciled into the clear-cut No. 1 role: consistent decision-making and dependable production within a limited window.

Richardson’s connection with Keenan Allen on the opening pass added an extra layer to the day. Allen is a veteran wide receiver known for his route precision and hands, and an early completion to that kind of target can report that timing between quarterback and receiver is starting to line up. Even without turning the moment into a bigger narrative of total dominance, it provided a tangible example of chemistry forming quickly in a game setting.

The competitive balance of a quarterback room is also shaped by how teams manage their reps across the preseason schedule, and by how confidently they feel in different game situations. Richardson’s ability to operate effectively in a contest where he played less than a half suggests he is trending toward the kind of game-ready readiness that staffs prioritize when they narrow the final spots.

For the Colts, what comes next is straightforward: the quarterback battle will continue to be settled by practice performance and how quickly each option can execute the offense’s fundamentals without needing second chances. Richardson will want to build on the early success reported in this finale, while the rest of the room will look to respond in the next phases of preparation leading into the regular season.

Why It Matters

A preseason QB2 battle is often decided by who can deliver repeatable, game-tested execution in limited playing time.
An early completion to a veteran like Keenan Allen can accelerate how a quarterback builds timing and trust with key targets.
Moments like a first-pass connection tend to influence quarterback confidence and coaching assessments more than a single highlight.
With a still-uncertain future for Richardson, the next practices and roster-setting decisions will carry extra weight as the team narrows its options.

Sources

Key Facts

Anthony Richardson Sr. started for the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason finale.
Richardson played a little less than a half in that game.
The report says Richardson hit Keenan Allen on his first pass attempt.
The report characterizes Richardson’s day as good in the Colts’ QB2 battle.
The report frames Richardson’s mindset as taking advantage of opportunities given uncertainty about his future.