INDIANAPOLIS -- Six months after requesting a trade from the Colts, the likelihood of quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. remaining with the team became more solidified Thursday when he was named the immediate backup to starter Daniel Jones.

Richardson at one point appeared destined to play elsewhere in 2026 given the Colts' re-signing of Jones to a two-year $88 million contract to remain their starter and the team's growing affinity for 2025 draft pick Riley Leonard. But Richardson's solid play in the preseason, coupled with Leonard's preseason struggles, made the choice clear for coach Shane Steichen.

The backup job in Indianapolis could loom large given Jones' concerning injury history. Jones is coming off a season-ending Achilles tear last December. "I thought he did some good things through camp," Steichen said Thursday of Richardson. "He's continued to develop and grow and learn and continue to get better."

Richardson's road since the end of the 2024 season has been full of twists. The 2023 fourth overall draft pick missed the final two games of that season with back issues, then lost a preseason position battle with Jones entering 2025. Richardson then suffered a freak facial injury during warmups before a game in October, leaving him with a broken orbital bone and blurred vision. "I'm extremely grateful," Richardson said. "I love adversity. I love life."