Colts’ quarterback shuffle: Daniel Jones’ rise sparks new Anthony Richardson rumor
Indianapolis, IN — A Quarterback Controversy that Could Define a Dynasty
The Indianapolis Colts are humming along with a commanding 8-2 record, sitting atop the AFC South with a two-game lead, and currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC. While the season is far from over and seeding could change dramatically in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: the Colts have found something special this season. And much of that success can be attributed to a decision that seemed risky at the time—choosing Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback over the much-hyped Anthony Richardson.
Entering the 2025 season, the Colts were facing what many believed could be a major landmine in terms of quarterback play. Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round draft pick, had experience in Shane Steichen’s system after playing under him for two years. With all eyes on Richardson as the next great hope for the Colts, it seemed like the most logical move to hand him the reins as QB1. But Indianapolis made a bolder decision.
The Bold Decision to Start Daniel Jones
Instead of going with Richardson, the Colts took a chance on Daniel Jones, whose career had been marked by struggles in New York with the Giants and a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings that didn’t leave a lasting impression. Jones had flamed out in New York, failing to live up to the potential that had once made him a first-round pick in 2019. But Indianapolis saw something in Jones that could work in their favor.
Through 10 games in 2025, it’s clear that the Colts made the right choice. Jones has been nothing short of terrific, showcasing poise, leadership, and a level of consistency that has allowed the Colts to thrive. He has breathed new life into a team that had been in search of stability at the quarterback position for years. His solid play has led Indianapolis to a top spot in the AFC, and while the season has a long way to go, the future is looking bright for the Colts with Jones at the helm.
The Anthony Richardson Dilemma: Could He Be on the Move?
Of course, the question remains: what about Richardson? His future in Indianapolis is now uncertain, and the Colts face a significant decision next offseason with the fifth-year option on his contract for 2027 looming. The speculation around Richardson’s future has already begun, and some analysts, like Billy Heyen of the Sporting News, suggest that Richardson could be traded sooner rather than later.
One potential scenario is a trade to the Carolina Panthers, where Richardson would join another former high-profile 2023 draft pick, Bryce Young. The Panthers’ decision to stick with Young as their starter despite his lackluster performance has drawn criticism, much like Richardson’s struggles in Indianapolis. Young has started 37 games over three seasons for Carolina, but his record of 11-26, combined with a quarterback rating of just 77.8 and a troubling 37-26 touchdown-to-interception ratio, has led some to question his future as the Panthers' QB1. Could Richardson be the answer in Carolina? Some think a change of scenery might be just what both quarterbacks need, but at this point, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis appears increasingly uncertain.
The Long-Term Vision for the Colts
For Colts fans, however, the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s future isn’t a major concern. Indianapolis has found its long-term quarterback in Daniel Jones, and that should equate to sustained success for years to come. While the Colts' decision to start Jones over Richardson raised some eyebrows at first, it’s clear that the team’s leadership saw something in Jones that many others had overlooked. His ability to manage the offense, avoid mistakes, and make crucial throws when needed has allowed the Colts to remain atop the AFC South and firmly in the playoff hunt.
Whether Richardson stays in Indianapolis or moves on to another team, the Colts have made a decisive step forward in securing their quarterback situation. With Jones leading the way, Indianapolis looks poised to build a new era of success, one that could lead to long-term dominance in the AFC. And while the quarterback controversy around Richardson might continue to swirl, the Colts are content knowing they have found their man under center.
Cam Jurgens Returns To Eagles Lineup Ahead Of Pivotal Lions Showdown
Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens will be snapping the football to Jalen Hurts on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, making his return to the Eagles’ lineup for the first time since suffering a knee injury during Philadelphia’s 28-22 victory at the Minnesota Vikings. In Jurgens’ absence, Brett Toth started against the Giants and Packers, with the Eagles‘ bye week coming in between the two games.
Toth Helped Steady Eagles’ Offense With Jurgens Sidelined
This season, Toth has filled in at left guard and center, being thrust into the starting lineup due to multiple injuries on the Eagles’ formidable offensive line. Toth had never started at center in his career before this year.
After Toth replaced an injured Landon Dickerson in the first meeting against New York, he did a masterful job replacing Jurgens, which the veteran center took note of.
“Brett did a great job,” Jurgens said. “He’s been in the league seven, eight years now. He stepped in. Did a great job. Communication was good. He knows exactly what we’re doing.”
However, Jurgens is ready to return to game action after missing nearly a month. After Friday’s practice, he said to the media, “I’m just trying to get better every day, every week.”
The Eagles will certainly benefit from Jurgens’ services as they face off with a ferocious Lions’ defensive front, including edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s star defensive end indicated the importance of this Lions-Eagles matchup to NBC Sports Philadelphia earlier this week.
Eagles’ Offensive Line Healthy After Concerning Injury Report
Four of Philadelphia’s five offensive line starters were listed as limited in Wednesday’s practice, including offensive tackle Lane Johnson, left guard Landon Dickerson, center Cam Jurgens, and right guard Tyler Steen.
In addition to Johnson being limited with an ankle injury that caused him to miss significant time in Monday night’s 10-7 win over the Packers, Jurgens was listed as a partial participant with his knee injury.
Steen was listed as limited due to an oblique injury, while Dickerson had a quad injury, which was new for him after he already battled through knee, back, and ankle issues this season.
However, every Eagles player on the active roster was a full participant in Friday’s practice, with the only questionable player being Willie Lampkin.
The reserve center/guard has been on injured reserve with knee and ankle injuries, and despite being a full participant in practice this week, he would need to be activated off of IR by Saturday at 4 PM.
With Lampkin’s activation window open until November 27th, he may stay on injured reserve until next week, as the Eagles’ starting five is ready to go for Sunday’s pivotal showdown against the Detroit Lions.
In other Eagles injury news, linebacker Nolan Smith, wide receiver Darius Cooper, cornerback Jakorian Bennett, and long snapper Cal Adomitis were also listed without injury statuses on Friday’s report. This comes after each player began the week on the injury report.
Philadelphia will put its three-game win streak on the line when it hosts the Lions on Sunday Night Football at Lincoln Financial Field. With Detroit just one game behind the Birds in the NFC standings, this matchup will almost definitely have playoff seeding implications in January.
