WESTFIELD, Ind. – The next time the Colts play in front of fans, it won't be at Grand Park.
It won't be during a training camp practice, and they won't be playing against each other. Instead, it will be at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Denver Broncos, and it'll be a real (preseason) football game.
And the starters will be on the field.
Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday the starters will play in Sunday's preseason game for "a series or two" before the players further down the depth chart take the field. Steichen also said there may be one or two starters who will not play, but didn't specify who.
There is one man who is guaranteed to be on the field when the game begins, though, and it's the one everyone wants to see: Anthony Richardson.
"I haven't played a down of football in a while, so it's a blessing just to have the opportunity to get back on the field," the quarterback said Friday. "I'm thankful that coach Shane's letting me play this game, and I get to go out there and make a few plays."
Richardson hasn't played in a football game since October 8, 2023, when he sustained a season-ending shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans. The time on the field Sunday, however long or short it may be, will also be the first time Richardson has faced a true opposing defense since then.
But Richardson isn't focusing on what could happen – like getting hit or sacked – when he's out there. He's focusing on what he can make happen.
"Just proving to myself that the hard work I've been putting in is definitely paying off," Richardson said. "Just me executing the offensive game plan, just me executing my position. Just being out there and just enjoying it."
"I can't wait," Steichen said. "I'm happy for him. It's been a long process for him going through his rehab, but he's attacked it the right way every day. So getting back out there with the guys on Sunday is going to be awesome."
Richardson's rehab included getting ready for, and comfortable with, the contact that playing football brings. Now, after doing "a lot of different things" to prepare himself for the physicality, he's both mentally and physically ready to get back out on the field.
"I don't think there's anything that people should be worried about, because I'm not worried about getting hit or anything," Richardson said. "I'm 100 percent ready, my shoulder can handle it."
On Sunday, Richardson will finally have the opportunity to prove not just himself what he can do, but to everyone else. After all, there's only so much a quarterback can do in training camp practices against his own defense – especially when it's the Colts' defense.
"Man, I've been waiting on that, because our defense, they give me headaches sometimes, just some of the plays they be making," Richardson said. "I love playing against our defense, but it's time for a new opponent."
News and notes
- Wide receiver Josh Downs suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's practice, Steichen confirmed. He did not put a timetable on Downs' return.
- Wide receiver Ashton Dulin missed his second straight practice with a hamstring injury, while tight end Will Mallory returned to practice.
- Wide receiver Alec Pierce had a standout day with multiple receptions from quarterback Anthony Richardson, including a leaping reception on a deep pass in 11-on-11 drills and a touchdown in coverage later in practice, also during an 11-on-11 period.
- Richardson scrambled and pump-faked a pass, fooling linebacker E.J. Speed, to run for a touchdown in 11-on-11.
- Cornerback Kenny Moore II picked off a pass meant for tight end Drew Ogletree during seven-on-seven.
- Tight end Jelani Woods had an impressive leaping catch up the middle from quarterback Joe Flacco in 11-on-11.
- Cornerback Jaylon Jones broke up a pass meant for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. during seven-on-seven.
- Flacco connected with Mallory for a first-down pass in seven-on-seven.
