Richardson focused on getting better for Colts amid trade request
WESTFIELD, Ind. (WRTV) — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is focused on getting better with the details and decision-making as training camp continues at Droplight Grand Park.
The Colts former fourth-overall draft pick is in a contested battle with second-year player Riley Leonard for the backup role behind Daniel Jones, and this offseason, requested to be traded to another team. No interest of note has materialized for Richardson, who says he hasn’t checked with his agent or general manager Chris Ballard about the status of his trade recently.
“I’m not necessarily sure what’s going on with that,” Richardson said. “I’m just here right now, trying to make sure I can stamp my foot on this team and just be the best version of myself I can be for this team.”
Richardson was asked if he expects to be playing for the Colts this season.
“If that’s what the teams wants then that’s what I want,” Richardson said. “I just want to be able to help the team. If it’s this team then I thank God for it. I’m just ready to showcase what I can do, be a winning piece to help the team win.”
Despite working with the second and third-string offenses during training camp, Richardson feels he’s improving.
“Reps are reps, regardless of whether I’m with the first second or third team. My reps count, and I have to make them count,” Richardson said.
Head coach Shane Steichen said the plan is to have both Richardson and Leonard play in the first preseason game against New England on Thursday.
“I think everyday those guys are battling,” Steichen said. “(They) Have to go win a job and take it, and those guys are back and forth, and we’ll continue to work that through camp so, see where it goes.”
Even though he’s fighting for a spot, Richardson said he’s not worried about the competition itself.
“I haven’t necessarily been thinking about it more about quarterback competition because I feel like if I’m putting my best foot forward, then to help the team make a decision then it’s betterment for the team, but I feel like I’m trying to progress,” Richardson said.
Progressing in the details and being consistent have been key points of emphasis for Richardson during this time.
“(Consistency is) something I’ve been trying to work on throughout the whole offseason,” Richardson said. “Just discipline, consistency, studying the playbook, coming out here making sure my footwork and everything is on point, coming out here trying to command the offense, just taking it day-by-day. Some days aren’t my best days. Some days aren’t the worst. So, I just got to keep pushing and like you said, just be consistent whenever I can. Just manage the game and just be a good quarterback.”
The Colts face the Patriots in their first preseason game of the year on Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
