Colts Unveil Preseason Depth Chart: Surprises vs. Patriots Revealed
Colts Quarterback Plans for First Preseason Game: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
The Indianapolis Colts are getting ready for their first preseason game of the year! They’ll face the New England Patriots this Thursday night at Gillette Stadium. But before the game kicks off, Head Coach Shane Steichen has some important decisions to make about who plays and how much.
What We Know So Far
The Starting Quarterback Situation
Important: Daniel Jones, the team’s starting quarterback, will NOT play in Thursday’s game. The coaching staff wants to keep him healthy and ready for the regular season.
The Backup Battle
Two young quarterbacks will split the playing time:
- Riley Leonard
- Anthony Richardson Sr.
Both players are listed as the #2 quarterback on the unofficial depth chart. This means they’re tied in the competition to be Daniel Jones’ backup for the 2026 season.
What Happens Next?
Here’s the timeline for the rest of the week:
- Tuesday – Joint practice with the Patriots at Gillette Stadium
- After Tuesday’s practice – Coach Steichen will share more details about:
- Which starters will play Thursday
- How many snaps each starter will get
- Thursday Night – Preseason opener vs. Patriots
Why This Matters
| Player | Role | Thursday Status |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Jones | Starting QB | Not Playing |
| Riley Leonard | Backup Candidate | Playing (split reps) |
| Anthony Richardson Sr. | Backup Candidate | Playing (split reps) |
What "Split Reps" Means (ELI5)
Think of it like sharing a pizza equally. Both quarterbacks will get about the same number of practice plays and game snaps. This lets the coaches:
- See both players in real game situations
- Compare them fairly
- Make the best decision for the backup job
Summary
- Thursday’s game is the first preseason test for the Colts
- Daniel Jones sits out – smart move to protect the starter
- Leonard and Richardson get their chance to shine
- Tuesday’s joint practice will give us more clues about the full game plan
- The backup QB competition is wide open heading into 2026
FAQ
Q: Why doesn’t Daniel Jones play in preseason games?
A: Starting quarterbacks often sit out preseason to avoid injury. The games don’t count for standings, so the risk isn’t worth it.
Q: What is a "joint practice"?
A: It’s when two teams practice together instead of against their own teammates. It’s like a controlled scrimmage – more intense than practice, but safer than a real game.
Q: Can both Leonard and Richardson make the team?
A: Yes! NFL teams usually keep 2-3 quarterbacks on the roster. One starts, one backs up, and sometimes a third develops on the practice squad.
Q: When will we know who wins the backup job?
A: Usually by the end of preseason (late August), when teams make final roster cuts before the regular season starts.
Q: What does "unofficial depth chart" mean?
A: It’s the team’s best guess at player rankings before the season. It can change anytime based on performance, injuries, or coaching decisions.