09 August 2023 , 19:44
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The Indianapolis Colts have not provided a straight answer regarding their starting quarterback next season.
The franchise’s first depth chart of pre-season has been released and it states "Gardner Minshew or Anthony Richardson” as the No. 1 quarterback, with Sam Ehlinger listed as the third choice. The use of the word ‘or’ on the depth chart means that the AFC South team is not yet ready to choose one player to start in the all-important position.
The likes of the San Francisco 49ers have also done the same with Sam Darnold and Trey Lance in their backup quarterback competition. Richardson was the fourth player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and has the potential to be a key man for the franchise both next season and beyond.
However, given he only started one season at college, his lack of experience may leave the franchise reluctant to start him in the NFL next season. Minshew on the other hand was signed by the Colts from the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million.
The 27-year-old started 24 games over the course of four seasons in his NFL career so far and he may be the player more likely to take the QB1 spot for the 1985 Super Bowl winners. In other news, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle injury and has left training camp to continue his recovery, according to ESPN.
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Coach Shane Steichen said Taylor's absence is "part of his rehab process. If you don't see him out here, it's part of his rehab." Since July 27, the All-Pro player has been on the physically unable-to-perform list and the team attributed the decision to his offseason ankle surgery.
A source told ESPN that Taylor is also suffering from back and hamstring tightness, but the player has denied having any back issues. Though Taylor is currently not fit to play, his future with the Colts is unclear after he requested a trade at the end of July. According to the NFL Network, he made the decision following a meeting with Colts owner Jim Irsay.
The Colts released their first unofficial depth chart of pre-season and the quarterback spot says 'Gardner Minshew or Anthony Richardson' (Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Taylor wants a contract extension that will enable him to become one of the highest-paid players in his position, but the Colts have not made an offer. Following the meeting, Irsay told reporters the franchise stands by its decision and told NBC Sports Taylor will not be traded.
"We're not trading Jonathan, end of the discussion," he said. "Not now and not in October!" New head coach Shane Steichen, was asked about Taylor's contract situation on NFL Network. "That's part of the business and my job is to be the head football coach of this team and go lead these guys," he said.
"I mean, if I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor's out of the league, no one's going to miss us," he told reporters. "The league goes on. We know that. The National Football (League) rolls on. It doesn't matter who comes and who goes, and it's a privilege to be part of it. Now's the time for us to do our work.”