Daniel Jones gets vote of confidence from Colts coach in early QB competition

Daniel Jones is making a strong impression in Indianapolis. 

The former Giant has been taking QB1 reps with the Colts in OTAs and minicamp with Anthony Richardson sidelined with a shoulder injury, and he’s receiving nothing but positive reviews so far. 

“Very pleased with what we got right now. He’s been doing a hell of a job,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said of Jones in his press conference Thursday. “Really smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly, making really good decisions out there through OTAs. Obviously, want to carry that over to training camp, but he’s done a really good job. Great command in the huddle. Ultimate pro.”

Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million contract in Indianapolis this offseason, entered the summer prepared to compete for the Colts’ starting job with Richardson, a third-year pro out of Florida. 

But Jones took a de facto lead in the quarterback battle after Richardson went down with his injury, and he seems to be making the most of his opportunity to separate himself. 

“[H]e’s a veteran player,” Steichen said. “Obviously, like I said, very intelligent. He works at it, grinds at it. So, not surprised on how he’s picked up the offense. Obviously, those meetings we have in the quarterback room with those guys — the conversations that we have, they’ve been really good. So, been very pleased with him.”

In his six seasons with the Giants, Jones started 69 games and tossed 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. 

There were ups and downs, but Jones comes into Indianapolis with plenty of experience – and certainly more than Richardson, who has started just 15 games in his first two seasons.

Richardson has boatloads of raw talent, but he’s experienced his share of highs and lows on the field – and, more importantly, he’s dealt with injury issues throughout his time in Indianapolis. 

An AC joint sprain ended Richardson’s 2023 rookie season early, and his current injury is a re-aggravation of that same AC joint. 

Steichen has not given a timetable for Richardson’s return, but Jones appears to be taking control in the position battle – regardless of Richardson’s status. 

As he continues to push for the starting role, Jones will look to impress throughout the rest of minicamp and at training camp, which begins July 25.