Colts rookie linebacker CJ Allen (No. 53) is expected to play a significant role on defense this season.
Michael Conroy / Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson Sr. made it clear he no longer wants to be a member of the Indianapolis Colts when he formally requested a trade in February, following three seasons with the franchise. However, the Colts have been unable to finalize a deal, and after missing the first two weeks of voluntary spring practice, the quarterback returned to the team on Monday.
Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds addressed Richardson’s situation Saturday during a media session following rookie minicamp — his first public comments since last year’s training camp. Dodds emphasized that both sides need to handle the circumstances professionally. Richardson, selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, was the Colts’ highest-drafted player since they took Andrew Luck first in 2012. The 23-year-old started only 15 games in his first two seasons before losing the starting job to Daniel Jones last year.
“I think you’re just upfront and say, ‘Hey, we tried. Nothing materialized. But you’re a professional, you have a job to do, and that’s why you’re here. You’re here to compete,’” Dodds said of how he approached Richardson’s return. “I think Anthony knows, too, it’s only gonna help him by competing and doing well.”
Like general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen, Dodds refrained from detailing Richardson’s specific role as he reintegrates with the team. Daniel Jones is expected to be limited when organized team activities begin later this month as he continues rehabbing from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered last December. That could give Richardson and Riley Leonard more reps during spring practice.
Before Richardson’s return, Leonard had been considered the Colts’ presumptive backup after starting the 2025 regular-season finale while both Jones and Richardson were sidelined — Richardson recovering from an orbital fracture suffered last October. When asked whether Richardson, who holds an 8-7 record as a starter, would challenge Leonard for the QB2 role if not traded, Dodds sidestepped the question.
“I think everybody is competing,” Dodds said. “It’s May. Who knows how it’ll end up?”
Richardson has thrown 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in the NFL, with 10 rushing touchdowns. Leonard, as a rookie, threw two touchdown passes, three interceptions and added two rushing scores.
Dodds expressed confidence in the team’s quarterback room. “We’ve got two other guys in that room that’ve started NFL games,” he said.
Regardless of his role with the Colts or another team, Richardson’s recovery from the orbital fracture remains a critical factor in his NFL future. The injury initially left him with impaired vision in his right eye. When asked whether Richardson had regained full vision, Dodds — echoing Steichen — simply said, “doctors said he’s good to go.”
Beyond the Richardson and Leonard discussion, Dodds praised Jones, who will turn 29 later this month. Jones signed a two-year, $88 million deal in March to stay with the Colts. Last season, he led Indianapolis to an 8-2 start before fracturing his left fibula and tearing his right Achilles tendon.
“Being around the guy, he’s really thoughtful, really composed, has a great way about him. (He) kind of connects with everybody,” Dodds said. “He can fit in, in any of the position rooms if he had to. I think that’s just really important, and they all believe in him and follow him.”