Through the first two days of minicamp practices for the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Daniel Jones has taken advantage of the additional opportunities that have come his way, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
“Quarterback Daniel Jones is taking advantage of Anthony Richardson Sr.’s absence during the Colts‘ three-day camp, making several notable throws Wednesday to get the ball to his ample cast of offensive playmakers,” wrote Holder.
The starting quarterback reps throughout offseason programs and into training camp were supposed to be split between Jones and Anthony Richardson. Unfortunately, Richardson is sidelined this week after aggravating his shoulder, the same one that he injured during the 2023 season.
Shane Steichen confirmed on Tuesday that Richardson did get another opinion on his shoulder with Neal ElAttrache, who was the surgeon who performed the original surgery. There is no specific timeline for Richardson’s return, but Steichen has said they hope to have him back for training camp.
That means that Jones is getting “a lot of the reps going forward,” as Steichen put it.
For a quarterback who is still learning a new system, the additional reps that he’s now getting are presumably helping to expedite that learning process that comes with being in a different scheme.
“He’s been great. … Acclimating to the offense, learning it, the system. Obviously, a smart guy, understands it, he’s picked it up,” Steichen said of Jones, via the Indy Star. “He’s a veteran guy that comes in early, late nights, does all the right things.”
There isn’t a timetable that Steichen has for when he wants to name the starting quarterback for Week 1. Ultimatley, he just wants to find the most consistent performer.
Regardless of how Jones performs during these three days of minicamp, it isn’t going to decide whether he’s the starter to begin the season or not. However, it does give him the upper hand in that competition.
This isn’t to say that Richardson still can’t go out and win the job, but with missing most of OTAs, all of minicamp, and need a ramp up period whenever he does return to the practice field, time won’t be on this side, and he’ll have to make up ground quickly.