Colts Assistant GM Ed Dodds Confirms Anthony Richardson Sr. Will Stay in Indianapolis

Following a 145-yard passing performance against New England, Anthony Richardson Sr. is set to remain with the Colts as the front office prioritizes quarterback depth.

Anthony Richardson Sr. completed 11 of 14 passing attempts for 145 yards and added 53 rushing yards on six carries during the Indianapolis Colts' preseason opener in New England. Following this statistical output, assistant general manager Ed Dodds confirmed on Sunday, August 16, 2026, that the organization intends to keep the quarterback on the roster. The decision marks a shift in trajectory for the 2023 No. 4 overall selection, who had previously requested a trade in February. General manager Chris Ballard had granted permission for the passer’s representatives to seek a deal, but no transaction materialized before the team reported to Westfield, Ind., for training camp.

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Ed Dodds articulated a philosophy centered on internal stability, stating, "I think you take care of your own team first." This approach dictates that the franchise will carry three capable signal-callers into the regular season to avoid the personnel crises that defined their previous campaign. The front office is determined to ensure that every player in the quarterback room is prepared to start a game immediately. If the former Florida Gator is deemed one of the top three options, his spot on the depth chart is secure regardless of outside interest.

The urgency to maintain a deep rotation stems from the catastrophic injury luck experienced by the Colts last December. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, which occurred while Richardson was already sidelined with an orbital fracture. These back-to-back medical setbacks forced the front office into a desperate search for replacements, eventually leading to the emergency recruitment of Philip Rivers. The veteran was coaxed out of retirement to start three games because the active roster lacked healthy, experienced alternatives at the time.

Reflecting on those events, Dodds noted, "Look at last year. You never know." The 2025 season served as a cautionary tale for the Indianapolis scouting department, reinforcing the idea that trade assets are less valuable than reliable insurance at the sport's most critical position. Richardson’s performance against the Patriots, where he averaged 10.3 yards per completion and 8.8 yards per rush, demonstrated the dual-threat capability the team is unwilling to surrender. His ability to move the chains during his preseason snaps provided tangible evidence of his recovery from the facial injury that ended his prior year prematurely.

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Stephen Holder of ESPN reported these developments as the team transitioned from their first exhibition game toward the next phase of camp. The narrative surrounding the quarterback has evolved significantly since he lost the starting job to Jones during the previous summer's competition. Despite the friction caused by the trade request and the subsequent lack of a market, the player reported to all mandatory offseason workouts. His professionalism during this period, combined with his recent efficiency on the field, has solidified his standing within the current regime's plans for the 2026 season.

The Colts' current strategy prioritizes the preservation of talent over the acquisition of future draft picks. By keeping Richardson, the team protects itself against the volatility of the NFL, where a single snap can alter a franchise's postseason aspirations. The front office remains focused on building a roster that can withstand multiple injuries, a lesson learned through the hardship of the previous winter. As the regular season approaches, the focus in Indianapolis remains on maximizing the utility of the players already under contract rather than exploring external upgrades or liquidating assets for long-term gains.

Richardson’s 145-yard night in New England served as a reminder of the physical tools that made him a top-five pick three years ago. His 53 yards on the ground led the team in rushing during the preseason opener, showcasing a level of mobility that few backups in the league can replicate. This specific skill set provides the Colts with a unique tactical advantage, allowing the offense to maintain its identity even if the primary starter is unavailable. The organization’s commitment to this depth reflects a broader league-wide trend of valuing high-end secondary passers as essential components of a championship-caliber roster.