The Indianapolis Colts are taking proactive measures to address the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Richardson’s shoulder injury by bringing in veteran quarterback Desmond Ridder for a tryout. This move could provide valuable experience and depth to the quarterback room, especially if Richardson is forced to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season.
Richardson, who has struggled with health issues early in his career, is currently seeking a second opinion on his shoulder, and Head Coach Shane Steichen has been cautious about providing a timetable for his return. With Daniel Jones currently slated to start, the Colts are prioritizing depth and insurance at the quarterback position.
Rookie Riley Leonard, the athletic quarterback from Notre Dame, has potential but remains raw and unpolished as an NFL-ready passer. Steichen likely isn’t comfortable relying solely on Leonard, given the team’s playoff aspirations and the need for a more experienced quarterback to support Jones.
Desmond Ridder, a former Cincinnati Bearcats star, brings meaningful NFL experience to the table. Over 25 career games and 18 starts, mostly with the Atlanta Falcons, Ridder has accumulated 4,002 passing yards. While he has shown flashes of competence as a game manager, turnovers have hindered his development. Ridder has thrown 14 interceptions compared to 16 touchdowns and has struggled with consistency under pressure.
Despite these concerns, Ridder offers a veteran presence that the Colts desperately need. His experience playing in real NFL games could prove invaluable if Richardson’s injury forces him to miss time. Bringing in Ridder for a tryout is a low-risk move that provides insurance and potentially adds depth to the quarterback room.
If everything clicks, and Steichen can help Ridder address his turnover issues and simplify his system, he might be able to serve as a competent backup quarterback. In a quarterback room filled with uncertainty, the Colts may have found a practical solution or at least a temporary stopgap in Desmond Ridder.
