Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr. hits Keenan Allen on first pass, has good day in QB2 battle

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. doesn't know what the future holds for him. All he can do is take advantage of the opportunities he is given.

Richardson played well in the Colts' preseason finale on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. He got the start and went 7 of 10 for 80 yards before he was pulled for Riley Leonard midway through the second quarter. Richardson and Leonard are battling for the backup quarterback job behind Daniel Jones.

Richardson's day started very well. He found Keenan Allen, who recently signed with the Colts to bolster their receiver depth, for a nice 24-yard pass downfield. The play showed the best of Richardson, and also why the Colts signed the veteran Allen. It was a strong throw with plenty of velocity downfield and got the Colts immediately into Lions territory. Playing with a lineup of mostly backups, it was beneficial to Richardson to have at least one proven veteran to throw to on Saturday.

Richardson is still battling Leonard for the Colts' QB2 job, though Leonard hasn't played well in the preseason. Leonard did start over Richardson in the second preseason game. Richardson started the first and third games.

Richardson had a steady performance after that Allen pass. After the first drive ended with a field goal, the defense got a highlight from its star. Cornerback Sauce Gardner had a nice interception on a short pass, giving Richardson and the offense the ball back.

On the ensuing drive, Richardson missed badly on a throw to the end zone to set up a third-and-8, but then seemed to get a first down on an 11-yard pass. It was called back due to offensive pass interference. A short completion was short of the first down and set up another field goal.

Richardson was solid the rest of the day. It wasn't perfect but he didn't do anything to lose ground on the depth chart. Leonard didn't do much to move up; against the Lions he was 3 of 7 for 48 yards and an interception.

Richardson was the fourth pick of the 2023 NFL Draft and struggled, especially with his accuracy, and Jones replaced him as the team's starter. Richardson made a trade request in the offseason, but the Colts didn't move him. It's hard to know where Richardson's career goes from here, but at least he finished the preseason on a high note.