Skip to main content
SI

Colts Forced to Make Surprising Quarterback Decision Ahead of Game vs. Cardinals

Anthony Richardson will be inactive for Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Kadlick|
Anthony Richardson is the Colts' emergency third QB against the Cardinals.
Anthony Richardson is the Colts' emergency third QB against the Cardinals. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

In this story:

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were forced into making a noteworthy move at quarterback ahead of their Week 6 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

While Daniel Jones—a fringe NFL MVP candidate through five weeks—will remain Indianapolis' starting signal-caller, rookie Riley Leonard will be the team's backup on Sunday afternoon. Former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson, meanwhile, is inactive—serving as the emergency third QB.

According to multiple reports, Richardson is not a healthy scratch, but rather suffered an eye injury using bands during pregame warmups.

Leonard was drafted by the Colts out of Notre Dame in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft. He put together an impressive preseason finale for Indy, going 15-for-20 passing for 189 yards and a touchdown, and will now suit up on Sunday afternoon against the Cardinals.

More NFL on Sports Illustrated

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published | Modified
Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

Home/NFL