Colts make curious decision to not play rookie QB Anthony Richardson in Week 2 preseason matchup vs. Bears

This week, the Indianapolis Colts made the decision to identify rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson the starter for the 2023 season — and he straight away won starter’s remedy. In Indy’s 2nd preseason matchup vs. the Chicago Bears, the No. 4 total pick out did not play a unmarried snap.

Many beginning quarterbacks across the league do not play a lot in the preseason, corresponding to Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets and Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans, however beginners want reps. Maybe Colts head trainer Shane Steichen has observed all he wishes to see to be satisfied of Richardson, however with regards to each and every rookie has to take care of rising pains. The preseason can lend a hand with that. 

Out of all of the quarterbacks decided on in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson could have the heighest ceiling. He registered because the maximum athletic quarterback to ever cross throughout the NFL Combine, and possesses an NFL-level arm. However, the only knock on Richardson is that he’s not polished as a passer — he is uncooked. Richardson tied Mitch Trubisky in having the fewest profession school begins by way of a first-round pick out since 2000 with 13. He additionally had the worst profession finishing touch proportion (55%) for a first-round pick out since Jake Locker from the 2011 elegance. Richardson threw simply 24 touchdowns in 24 profession video games at Florida. Doesn’t he want those reps?

Richardson’s first preseason day trip towards the Buffalo Bills felt like a super instance of what his rookie season might appear to be as a complete. He threw an excessively dangerous interception at the first ownership of his NFL profession, however then got here again with an improbable deep shot to Alec Pierce (that used to be dropped). In all, Richardson finished 7 of 12 passes for 67 yards and that one interception towards Buffalo.

Richardson wishes those preseason reps. The Colts deciding to sit down him on Saturday night time used to be curious to say the least.