Colts QB competition: Anthony Richardson’s path to QB2 isn’t closed, with Riley Leonard in the mix

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback depth chart has never been a simple story, and it isn’t becoming one as training camp moves forward. A fresh discussion has resurfaced around Anthony Richardson’s ability to reclaim meaningful NFL leverage, specifically whether he can beat out Riley Leonard for the backup quarterback role behind Daniel Jones.

The framing around Richardson is stark. Yahoo Sports’ look at the situation describes Richardson as having reached a point where his career seemed uncertain, even “left for dead,” before finding another chance to prove he still belongs. In the same piece, the central question is practical rather than sentimental: with the starter role aligned elsewhere, can Richardson earn the top backup spot, not just a roster spot.

Richardson’s case, as presented, is about opportunity. If the Colts want their QB2 to provide more than a safe holding option, they would prefer a quarterback who can run the offense at game speed when the starter is unavailable. The question is whether Richardson can show that he offers the kind of ceiling the Colts can trust, rather than settling for a familiar backup profile that limits what the offense can do.

Riley Leonard, in this matchup, represents the other side of the competition. Leonard’s presence makes the quarterback room feel like a real decision point, not a foregone conclusion. Yahoo’s piece treats the rivalry as active, indicating there is “a legitimate chance” Richardson is not only on the roster come Week 1, but could be QB2 rather than relegated further down the depth chart.

What makes this story worth watching is how quickly a backup quarterback battle can become the defining “supporting character” storyline for a season. The No. 2 quarterback role matters for continuity, play-calling comfort, and who gets the reps that translate into real decision-making. Even without a quarterback change at the regular-season level, the QB2 spot influences the rhythm of practice and the confidence of the staff.

Still, the evidence base for any definitive conclusion is limited until the Colts’ depth chart becomes fully clear and consistent. This is a competitive situation described in terms of possibility and probability, not finalized roster documentation. For now, the most accurate takeaway is that Richardson is not being treated as a bystander in the QB race, and Leonard’s performance is directly relevant to who wins the backup job.

Over the next stretch, the Colts’ internal hierarchy should become easier to read as preseason reps narrow the range of outcomes. If Richardson is to separate himself, the key will be whether he can consistently execute at a level that convinces the coaching staff he can manage the offense without restricting it. If Leonard keeps momentum, the QB2 spot could tilt toward the quarterback who most clearly communicates the system and protects the operation when the starter is out.