With uncertainty swirling around Anthony Richardson’s shoulder injury, the Indianapolis Colts are taking proactive steps to solidify their quarterback room. Per multiple reports, the Colts have brought in former third-round pick and veteran signal-caller Desmond Ridder for a tryout. This move could provide some much-needed experience behind center if Richardson is sidelined for any stretch of the 2025 season.
Richardson, who has struggled with health issues early in his career, is now seeking a second opinion on his shoulder. Head coach Shane Steichen has been non-committal about a timetable for return, and with Daniel Jones currently appearing to be in line to start, depth and insurance at the position have become priorities. Rookie Riley Leonard, the athletic quarterback out of Notre Dame, has an intriguing upside but remains raw and unpolished as an NFL-ready passer. Steichen likely isn’t comfortable placing a rookie that inexperienced just one snap away from game action in a season with playoff aspirations.
Enter Ridder.
The former Cincinnati Bearcats star brings meaningful NFL experience with him. Over 25 career games and 18 starts, most of which came with the Atlanta Falcons, Ridder has amassed 4,002 passing yards. While he has shown flashes of competence as a game manager, turnovers have plagued his development. Ridder has thrown 14 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns and has struggled with consistency under pressure, which eventually led to his exit from both Atlanta and, later, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Still, Ridder offers something the Colts desperately need right now: a veteran presence who’s taken real NFL snaps. With Richardson’s status unclear and Jones needing strong support around him, bringing in Ridder to evaluate his fit is an innovative and low-risk move by the front office.
If nothing else, Ridder provides insurance. If everything clicks, if Steichen can clean up some of the turnover issues and put Ridder in a simplified system, he may be able to serve as a competent No. 2 and possibly even push for playing time if injuries continue to mount.
In a quarterback room full of question marks, the Colts may have found a practical answer, or at least an insurance stopgap, in Desmond Ridder.