Anthony Richardson to Start Colts' Preseason Opener, Daniel Jones' Status Updated Amid Injury Rehab

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will start and play the entire first half of the team's preseason opener against the New England Patriots on Thursday, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Tuesday. Riley Leonard will play the entire second half.

Leonard will start and play the first half of the Colts' second preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Atlanta Falcons, with Richardson playing the second half.

Starter Daniel Jones, who suffered a season-ending right Achilles tear last December against the Jacksonville Jaguars, will not play in the preseason, Steichen said.

"Well, I think it's pretty obvious, I don't want to take any chances with Daniel out there in the preseason right now," Steichen told reporters (h/t WISH-TV).

Jones is fully participating in training camp and appears on track for the start of the regular season. He took part in the team's joint practice with the New England Patriots on Tuesday.

Jones also told reporters that he has been feeling good during training camp.

At this juncture, there isn't any doubt that Jones is set to start on Sunday, Sept. 13, when the Colts host the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. ET.

The big question surrounds Anthony Richardson's status. NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported in February that Richardson and the Colts have "mutually agreed" to seek a trade.

Nearly six months later, a trade hasn't transpired.

In the meantime, Richardson and Leonard are in a backup QB battle. As Colts contributing writer Abby Halpin wrote on Sunday, the two have split second- and third-team reps during training camp. They are also both listed as QB2 on the team's depth chart as of now.

We'll find out who QB2 is (and whether Richardson remains on the roster) soon enough. The first preseason game on Thursday will obviously have an impact on the decision. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.