You’d think a team that drafted a quarterback fourth overall and gave him two years to figure it out would have at least some idea of what direction they’re heading in. But no. The Indianapolis Colts dropped their first depth chart of the preseason and instantly reminded New York Giants fans why they’re happy to be on the other side of the Daniel Jones experiment.
Right there at QB1, in plain, unserious letters: “Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson.” Not even trying to hide it. Not even trying to spin it. Just two completely different quarterbacks stapled together in what feels like the NFL version of slapping duct tape on a boat with holes.
https://t.co/yMG77MltVJ pic.twitter.com/UTSy6pIPsJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2025
Related: Daniel Jones’ latest comeback attempt is already in serious trouble
This is how you know it’s already off the rails. The Colts are so unsure of what to do with Richardson’s regression and injury baggage that they’ve somehow or'd themselves into thinking Danny Dimes might be the guy moving forward. This might be one of the most preposterous and ridiculous depth chart releases fans have seen in a minute.
Daniel Jones just put Colts into ultimate mental pretzel with depth chart release
Jones isn’t even a year removed from being benched behind Tommy DeVito and then demoted to clipboard duty in Minnesota... after playing scout team safety.
Now he’s in Indianapolis getting paid $14 million to confuse the ever-living you-know-what out of the coaching staff. Richardson, on the other hand, has completed under 51% of his passes in two years and was benched for Joe Flacco last year. So, for those still not convinced that a QB room with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart is a better situation, it's time to put on the polygraph.
The Colts have spent all offseason pretending this would be an open competition. So technically this isn’t surprising, but it is hilarious. And it’s especially funny for Giants fans who sat through six years of Jones doing just enough to stick around while never being the actual solution.
Now he’s someone else’s problem, and the Colts are already in a mental pretzel trying to justify it. Head coach Shane Steichen keeps saying both guys will play in the preseason and they’ll figure it out later. But doesn't that just feel like a pretty good sign that they’re not figuring out anything at all?
The Colts’ depth chart "OR" listing is basically the football version of Schrödinger’s cat. Until someone opens the box — or in this case, plays well in the preseason — both quarterbacks are simultaneously the starter and not the starter.
Honestly, this is probably the worst possible outcome for both quarterbacks. Jones needs reps to even justify a future in this league. And Richardson needs... all the help that he can get to avoid the infamous "bust" label. And right now, it's clearly not going well for either.
Imagine being the front office guy tasked with uploading “Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson” to the Colts’ site with a straight face.