Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin told Good Morning Football on Friday that he thinks it's "probably likely" that rookie Anthony Richardson will be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1.
#Colts LB Zaire Franklin was asked about Anthony Richardson’s chances of starting Week 1: “Obviously our HC (Shane Steichen) is gonna be working with him closely. … I don’t know, I gotta be able to see it next week (in OTAs). But I personally think it’s probably likely, though.” https://t.co/2rIe0dsPpV
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 19, 2023
The Colts selected Richardson fourth overall during April's NFL Draft and it will likely either be him or Gardner Minshew taking the season-opening snaps under center in Week 1 when Indianapolis hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars (Minshew's original team). The Colts signed the 27-year-old Minshew in March and he's proven to be a serviceable backup and solid fill-in starter when needed during his four-year career.
Former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles was released by Indianapolis in early May and the team still has 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger on the depth chart, likely as the third stringer.
Whether it's Minshew or Richardson getting the start in the regular season opener, either signal-caller will have a tall task in getting Indianapolis back to relevancy. The Colts are coming off of their worst season since 2017, finishing 2022 with a 4-12-1 record.
Fortunately, the offense has some weapons to work with, led by the league's leading rusher from 2021 in Jonathan Taylor. The one-time Pro Bowler, first team All-Pro and prime bounce back candidate is joined by star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and promising second-year wideout Alec Pierce, who had 593 receiving yards as a rookie last year.
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