NFL News: Anthony Richardson Reportedly Viewed as Colts' 'Presumptive' QB1 in 2025

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson "is viewed as the presumptive starter for next season," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Echoing earlier reporting on the situation, Rapoport added that the team "has been pleased with how he responded from the benching before Week 9 and how his attention to detail and preparation has increased as a result."

It's never a good sign when a top-five pick is only the "presumptive" starter going into his third season or that an organization feels the need to convey that message. Nobody's questioning where C.J. Stroud stands with the Houston Texans, for example, because he's firmly entrenched as QB1.

In the case of Richardson, his response to his midseason benching might be a mark in his favor, but his performance hasn't improved all that much since unseating Joe Flacco.

In six starts before getting demoted, the 22-year-old had 958 passing yards, four touchdowns to seven interceptions, a 44.4 percent completion rate and a 57.2 passer rating. After getting the starting job back, he has thrown for 856 yards and four touchdowns to five picks while completing 51.2 percent of his passes with a 66.2 QB rating.

The number of games Richardson has missed through injury—back and foot issues are sidelining him for Sunday' contest against the New York Giants—are something worth noting as well.

It's easy for the Colts to say all of the right things for now about Richardson. They don't have a viable alternative at quarterback for 2025 with Flacco and Sam Ehlinger heading for free agency.

How Indianapolis fills out its quarterback room will speak much louder as to the coaching staff and front office's opinions of Richardson. Signing a veteran who could plausibly start at some point or investing valuable draft capital in a quarterback would give the impression the belief in the young signal-caller is wavering.