Colts Keep Anthony Richardson on Roster

Anthony Richardson made the Colts' initial 53-man roster, Colts Wire reported Sunday evening. The 2023 No. 4 overall pick requested a trade in late February and is still in Indianapolis. Daniel Jones is the starter. Riley Leonard is the other quarterback on the 53. That is the room. This desk is not inventing a starter change.

Colts Wire said releasing him was likely never in play, first because the trade market never developed, then because camp tape earned him the spot. He finished the preseason 21-of-33 for 250 yards with one interception and 69 rushing yards. The same cutdown weekend had the Titans waive Will Levis. Indianapolis kept its former first-rounder.

Why did the Colts keep Anthony Richardson?

They wanted three quarterbacks who can play. Assistant GM Ed Dodds said earlier in camp, via The Athletic's James Boyd on Colts Wire, "I think you take care of your own team first. We want to have three (QBs) that can play. So, if he's one of them, he's gonna be here." Colts.com had been signaling the same plan a week before the deadline: Jones, Leonard, and Richardson Sr.

The fifth-year option was not picked up, IndyStar reported, so 2026 is the last year of the rookie deal unless something else happens. That is a contract fact, not a prediction. Richardson told Colts.com he was "just looking forward to helping the team" and wanted to "put my best foot forward and help the team win." The trade request remained active as of July, general manager Chris Ballard said then. Sunday's 53 still has his name on it.

What is Anthony Richardson's role in 2026?

Backup competition with Leonard, behind Jones. Colts Wire said he potentially stepped into the backup role with more refined summer play, while also noting consistency is still needed. Do not read a depth-chart coronation into that. Jones starts. Leonard is on the roster. Richardson is on the roster. Three QBs, as Dodds wanted.

Searchers typing Colts keep Anthony Richardson or Richardson 53-man roster want the trade-request status, the preseason line (21-of-33, 250, 1 INT, 69 rush), and the Jones-Leonard-Richardson room. He is still a Colt. That is the cutdown news.

Colts keep Anthony Richardson FAQ

Did Anthony Richardson make the Colts' 53-man roster? Yes. Colts Wire reported he is on the initial 53 despite a late-February trade request.

Who are the Colts' quarterbacks? Daniel Jones (starter), Anthony Richardson Sr., and Riley Leonard, per Colts.com and Colts Wire. Jones remains the starter.

What were Richardson's 2026 preseason stats? 21-of-33 passing, 250 yards, one interception, and 69 rushing yards, Colts Wire wrote.