The Indianapolis Colts will finally put on the pads Saturday when they open the preseason with a road matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
This will be the first time we get to see the Colts under the new regime led by head coach Shane Steichen. It also will be the first time we see a starting unit led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is getting the start to begin the preseason.
Steichen told reporters Thursday that Richardson and the starters are expected to play roughly a quarter.
“It’s case by case, but probably around a quarter or so. But some guys, case by case,” Steichen said.
Richardson has been splitting first-team snaps with Gardner Minshew throughout training camp so it’s encouraging to see him get the start in the preseason opener.
He’s likely to be working with the starting offensive line minus right tackle Braden Smith, who is dealing with a knee injury. He’ll also likely get plenty of reps with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see rookie Josh Downs mixed in with the first team as well.
While a big performance would be nice, Steichen isn’t looking solely at the box score when it comes to evaluating Richardson’s start.
“Just take care of the football, be smart with the football, go through your reads, go through your progressions and get first downs. It’s simple as that,” Steichen said.
With Richardson and the starters working for roughly the first quarter of the game, we should expect Minshew and Sam Ehlinger to make up the rest of the time for the final three quarters.
It’s an exciting time for Colts fans, who will finally get to see the highly-touted rookie take the field for the first time while donning the horseshoe.