The Indianapolis Colts have been waiting for a quarterback to create separation in this camp. On Friday, Anthony Richardson did just that.
It was easily his best showing of the week, per Jake Arthur on X, formerly Twitter. He was the sharper QB start to finish over Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard, and for the first time this summer, he looked like the clear-cut leader of the Colts offense.
Richardson was quicker through his reads. The hesitation from early in the week wasn’t there. He delivered the ball with more conviction, and it translated into the most productive team session of his camp so far.
A big reason why? Tyler Warren.
The rookie tight end has gone from quiet to everywhere in just a few practices. He didn’t flash much on Day 1, but since then, Warren’s involvement has steadily ticked up. On Friday, he was Richardson’s most reliable target — by far.
Warren Becoming A Featured Option
Warren caught multiple passes during full-team periods, including a clean first-down pickup during 11-on-11 work. He also grabbed a contested throw over the middle that wasn’t perfectly placed, but still came down with it thanks to his strong hands and body control. That’s becoming a pattern.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said earlier this week that Warren’s hands and catch radius were a big part of what drew the Colts to him in the first round.
It’s showing up now in camp. The Colts are putting more on his plate — and Richardson is starting to lean on him because of it.
“Something we thought was a real strength of his was his hands, his ability to focus, concentrate and make those tough catches,” offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said Thursday, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “He’s a very uniquely-talented, uniquely-skilled young man… That’s what you need in this league. Coverage is going to be tight. The passes are going to have to be in different areas. You’re going to have to make some of those tough, strong-handed catches and really focus on finishing.”
Warren is giving Richardson a real security blanket. That trust takes time, though, especially with a quarterback who missed most of last season and is still learning how to pace a drive.
Colts QB1 Battle Leans Richardson’s Way
So far in camp it looks like progress. Richardson hit Warren on a quick out, then came back to him two plays later off play action. Same timing, same result — move the chains.
It wasn’t perfect. There were a few misfires during 7-on-7s, including one late throw to the sideline that could’ve been picked off. But for the first time this week, Richardson looked in control. He wasn’t playing catch-up. He was setting the tempo.
For a team still unsure about how its quarterback room will shake out, that matters. Jones has been steady but not spectacular. Richardson, on the other hand, looked comfortable and efficient Friday — and now has clear chemistry building with his first-round tight end.
If Warren keeps this up, it’s not just about being TE1. He might be one of Richardson’s top three targets by the time Week 1 rolls around. And if Richardson keeps stacking practices like this, the Colts’ decision at quarterback may come sooner than expected.
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