Anthony Richardson’s third NFL season is already drawing a different tone from inside the Indianapolis Colts’ locker room.
Veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. made that clear this week during an appearance on Up & Adams, where he pointed to a noticeable jump in his quarterback’s preparation and focus.
“The way that he’s been able to block out all of that outside noise, because he’s been getting a lot of shots fired at him from last year to now,” Pittman told Adams on Sunday. “His preparation wasn’t bad or not good before, but it’s gotten even to a higher level that he’s doing everything he can to put himself in the best position possible.”
Richardson entered 2025 training camp knowing the outside perception. According to MPJ, the 23-year-old hasn’t flinched.
Pittman Jr. Praises Richardson For How He’s Bouncing Back From NFL Adversity
Richardson’s rookie year ended after just four games following a right shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery. He then returned in 2024 to make 11 appearances, going 6-5 as the Colts’ starter and threw for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns. The lost time fueled questions about his durability, decision-making and ability to lead the Colts offense over a full season.
Pittman, however, isn’t buying the doubt. He sees a quarterback who has tuned out criticism and doubled down on the work that matters.
“I feel like he’s hitting those throws that he worked so hard to kind of master,” Pittman said. “You see him making a lot of those touch throws where he’s dropping it in over those backers, over those DBs. He’s doing it consistently.”
In Thursday’s preseason opener, Richardson suffered a dislocated pinky after completing just 2-of-3 passes for 21 yards. That’s less than ideal for a player who’s trying to prove that the hurdles are behind him.
Jones Will Start Preseason Week 2 For Colts, Richardson Expected To Play
After returning to practice on Saturday and Sunday, it appears Richardson will continue participating with his normal workload and play through the injury. The Colts face the Green Bay Packers on August 16, when Shane Steichen will flip things around in preseason Week 2.
“Colts coach Shane Steichen said earlier that Daniel Jones will start next weekend’s preseason game against the Packers and play about two series, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “Anthony Richardson will take it from there and finish the first half. Starters will generally play about one quarter.”
Richardson might’ve had the edge against Jones in the Colts QB battle during training camp, but the competition has suddenly balanced out once again.
“Both guys are competing really well,” Pittman told Adams. “I think both of them are doing great things. They’re different players. And they do have some similarities .. They both can run, and both have that extending ability. Both are doing a great job, and we are excited for them.”
Steichen and the Colts’ staff still have time to make a final decision. It’s clear that Richardson has more to prove before he’s able to fully claim the QB1 badge.
That said, he has the support of teammates like Pittman to continue blocking out the noise.
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