Indianapolis Colts enter uncertain 2025-26 NFL season
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. chat during training camp on July 29. Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Who is the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback?
Why it matters: That's a question Colts fans have asked far too many times as Anthony Richardson Sr.'s quest to become the man post-Andrew Luck has been marred by injury and inconsistency.
- He's still fighting for his job heading into year three, and his opponent is a seven-year veteran who ultimately failed his own bid to become quarterback for the New York Giants post-Eli Manning.
Reality check: That's only one of several uncertainties for the franchise, which has endured significant on- and off-the-field changes this offseason, including the shocking loss of team owner Jim Irsay in May.
- Chief among them is whether the team's new trio of owners will be as patient with a front office and general manager who hasn't won a playoff game since 2018.
What they're saying: "As my dad said before he passed, [general manager] Chris [Ballard] and [head coach] Shane [Steichen] know that they have things they need to fix," said team co-owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon. "We talked about not micromanaging people, but also, we have a standard here, and it hasn't been good enough."
Driving the news: The new Colts will see their first action Thursday night in their preseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens.
- The Richardson Sr. will get the start, but Steichen said both players will get plenty of time over the first two preseason games to claim the role.
Zoom in: There are also questions about the protection provided by an offensive line that had to be revamped following the departures of center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries.
- 2024 draft picks Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves are expected to pick up the load, while many consider left guard Quenton Nelson one of the league's best interior linemen.
On the other side of the ball, the Colts defense may have seen the biggest on-field changes with Lou Anarumo becoming the new defensive coordinator.
- The team also added new faces in the form of cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum.
Threat level: The Colts suffered a big offensive loss during practice Sunday when backup running back Salvon Ahmed injured his leg.
State of play: The Colts finished second in the AFC South last season and missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record. Oddsmakers expect them to perform similarly this season.
How to watch: Kickoff for Colts vs. Ravens is 7pm Thursday.
- The game will air locally on FOX59 and nationally via the NFL Network or fuboTV.
How to listen: Local radio coverage via 93.5/107.5 The Fan and 97.1 HANK FM.
What's next: The Colts' next two preseason matchups are 1pm Aug. 16 against the Green Bay Packers at home and 1pm Aug. 23 in Cincinnati to face the Bengals.
- Their 2025 regular season kicks off by hosting the Texans on Sept. 7.
- During the season opener, Jim Irsay will be inducted as the 20th member of the Colts Ring of Honor.