Colts’ Cooter cites consistency concerns as Richardson battles for backup role

Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has indicated that quarterback Anthony Richardson remains in the process of resolving consistency issues following eight training camp practices. While Cooter acknowledged periods of strong play, he emphasised that the team is actively addressing mistakes made during sessions, including a recent outing where Richardson threw an interception.

Richardson’s limited workload in practice has drawn scrutiny, with reports confirming he took only five team repetitions on Saturday. During that session, he completed two of three passes but also recorded an interception. In the preceding practice, held under the lights, Richardson’s passing line was recorded at three completions from twelve attempts.

Cooter noted that the need for greater consistency extends beyond Richardson to the broader second and third-team offensive units. He highlighted the difficulty posed by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s disguise-heavy schemes, which have challenged the backup players as they attempt to refine their execution ahead of the regular season.

The quarterback room is currently engaged in a competitive environment for the backup position alongside Gardner Minshew. Head coach Shane Steichen has described the dynamic as back-and-forth, with no clear frontrunner emerging despite Richardson’s physical tools. The coaching staff remains focused on cleaning up errors rather than declaring a winner.

Amidst the on-field competition, the organisational future of Richardson remains uncertain. General Manager Chris Ballard has previously stated the team is willing to trade the quarterback, describing their approach as being prepared to move him. Richardson’s trade request remains active, leaving the final outcome of his tenure with the Colts unresolved.