# Indianapolis Colts 2026 training camp & QB battle > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indianapolis-colts-2026-season-outlook > Updated: 2026-09-09T23:30:23.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 13. On September 3, head coach Shane Steichen finalized the depth chart by naming Anthony Richardson Sr. as the backup quarterback. Richardson secured the No. 2 role behind starter Daniel Jones following a preseason competition where he completed 21 of 33 passes for 249 yards, compared to Riley Leonard’s 20 of 42 passes for 199 yards. Leonard was designated as the third-string option. This decision follows a period of uncertainty for Richardson, who had formally requested a trade in February but remained with the organization. As the team prepares for Week 1, Daniel Jones expressed confidence in his recovery from a torn Achilles, stating he is “feeling good about being in a live action game” after completing most phases of the recovery process during training camp. However, questions persist regarding Jones’s long-term future in Indianapolis. Reports suggest the Colts may consider a contract opt-out or a trade if his performance does not meet expectations during the season, though analysts note significant interest from other NFL coaches in his processing ability and toughness. By September 9, it was confirmed that Jones is set to return to the field for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. This will be his first game action since suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in December. Although Jones participated in training camp and joint practices with the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, Steichen opted to hold him out of all preseason games to ensure a safe recovery. ## Claims - Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in December 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Anthony Richardson expressed gratitude and readiness to work after being named the backup quarterback. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jones will be under center for the Indianapolis Colts' first training‑camp practice on Wednesday. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Jones signed a two‑year contract worth $88 million, potentially up to $100 million after the franchise tag. (corroborated by 2 sources) - In the 2025 season, Jones threw for 19 touchdowns and 3,101 passing yards in 13 games. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Head coach Shane Steichen announced that Anthony Richardson Sr. will be the Indianapolis Colts' backup quarterback. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. (corroborated by 2 sources) - During the preseason, Richardson completed 21 of 33 passes for 249 yards. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Richardson and his agent requested a trade in February. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Colts began training camp at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield, Indiana. (single source) - Rookie linebacker Bryce Boettcher recorded 136 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and six passes defended for Oregon last season. (single source) - Owner Carlie Irsay‑Gordon said the sense of urgency for the Colts has never been higher. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Daniel Jones set for return with Colts in season opener Colts quarterback Daniel Jones returns to action this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, marking his first game since suffering a torn Achilles tendon nine months ago. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daniel-jones-set-for-return-with-colts-in-season-opener ### 2026-09-03: Daniel Jones expresses confidence in return following Achilles injury Colts quarterback Daniel Jones says he feels ready for live game action following an Achilles injury, though speculation persists regarding his long-term future and potential trade from the team. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daniel-jones-expresses-confidence-in-return-following-achilles-injury ### 2026-09-03: Indianapolis Colts name Anthony Richardson Sr. backup quarterback The Indianapolis Colts have named Anthony Richardson Sr. as the backup quarterback behind starter Daniel Jones, with Riley Leonard designated as the third-string option. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-name-anthony-richardson-sr-backup-quarterback ### 2026-08-28: Anthony Richardson linked to NFL trade rumors Multiple NFL teams have reportedly inquired about trading for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, though the team has indicated a preference to maintain a three-quarterback roster. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-richardson-linked-to-nfl-trade-rumors ### 2026-08-22: Anthony Richardson competes for Indianapolis Colts roster spot Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is fighting for a roster spot following a preseason loss to the Falcons, amid discussions regarding his future and potential hybrid roles in the NFL. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-richardson-competes-for-indianapolis-colts-roster-spot ### 2026-08-20: Indianapolis Colts conclude joint practices with Atlanta Falcons The Indianapolis Colts concluded joint training camp practices against the Atlanta Falcons, highlighting successful two-minute drills and field goal drives by Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-conclude-joint-practices-with-atlanta-falcons ### 2026-08-20: Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones updates on injury recovery and Keenan Allen signing Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles while the team adds Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen to the roster to bolster the offense. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-qb-daniel-jones-updates-on-injury-recovery-and-keenan-allen-signing ### 2026-08-05: Colts QB Daniel Jones reports steady recovery from Achilles surgery Colts quarterback Daniel Jones says his Achilles recovery is on track, credits coach Shane Steichen, and supports mental‑health awareness via Mission 34. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colts-qb-daniel-jones-reports-steady-recovery-from-achilles-surgery ### 2026-07-29: Indianapolis Colts QB Competition Shapes 2026 Training Camp Daniel Jones reclaimed his starter role at Colts camp after Achilles recovery, while backup quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard remain tied in the QB2 race. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-qb-competition-shapes-2026-training-camp ### 2026-07-28: Colts begin training camp as Jones, Buckner cleared to practice The Indianapolis Colts opened training camp in Westfield, Indiana, with quarterback Daniel Jones and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner cleared to practice after injuries, while rookie safety A.J. Haulcy joins a 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-defensive-tackle-deforest-buckner-cleared-for-training-camp ### 2026-07-26: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones cleared for training camp Daniel Jones says he’s ready for Colts training camp after an Achilles injury, with a new $88 M deal, as the team also eyes rookie Bryce Boettcher and possible backup Jimmy Garoppolo. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-confront-pressure-and-roster-questions-in-2026 ### 2026-07-09: Indianapolis Colts confront 2026 season uncertainty as quarterback Daniel Jones recovers The Indianapolis Colts head into 2026 amid quarterback Daniel Jones’s injury recovery, unchanged offensive plans, an England trip, and a TV/streaming schedule across major networks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-confront-2026-season-uncertainty-as-quarterback-daniel-jones-recovers ### 2026-06-30: Indianapolis Colts aim to revamp offense ahead of 2026 season After a 2025 collapse due to quarterback injuries, the Indianapolis Colts target veteran WR Keenan Allen to fill the void left by Michael Pittman Jr. as they prepare for the 2026 season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-target-freeagent-wide-receiver-as-offense-rebuilds --- Cite as: Indianapolis Colts 2026 training camp & QB battle. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indianapolis-colts-2026-season-outlook