INDIANAPOLIS - During the first two weeks of offseason practices, the Indianapolis Colts ran their offense with two young quarterbacks whose pro experience barely fills a single line.

Starter Daniel Jones remains out after tearing his right Achilles tendon in early December, so 2025 sixth-rounder Riley Leonard (one career start) and undrafted Seth Henigan (no NFL action) led the unit.

That setup shifted dramatically last week.

Anthony Richardson Sr., the 2023 No. 4 overall pick who started portions of two seasons amid controversy, returned to voluntary workouts, injecting uncertainty into the Colts' quarterback group at a key offseason moment.

The landscape had evolved significantly since his prior visit to team facilities.

In March, Indianapolis locked in Jones with a two-year, $88 million extension, cementing him as the long-term starter. Weeks earlier, Richardson - feeling he had no path forward - asked for and received permission to seek a trade.

No suitors emerged, however, leaving Richardson to report back as the offseason progresses, ready to fulfill his rookie deal if needed.

"He's back with the team now," head coach Shane Steichen noted Friday.

Yet the implications remain unclear. Will the Colts keep fielding trade inquiries for Richardson? Could he stay and complete his rookie contract's final year? And if retained, does he slot in as the top backup, despite recent signals favoring Leonard in that role?

Team officials have revealed no firm plans. This saga involves a quarterback who voiced a desire to leave and a coach who seemed to pivot away long ago.

Nevertheless, they must now coexist and address the tension.

"Time will tell," Steichen added. "He's putting in the work, showing up, and in positive spirits."

Decisions loom later this month with advanced voluntary sessions and mandatory minicamp. As the first-team offense faces the defense in 11-on-11 drills - Jones unlikely until training camp - who takes the snaps?

"[Richardson] will see reps, same as [Leonard]," Steichen replied, dodging specifics.

Richardson, yet to address the media, faces high stakes.

His starting stints brought erratic play, poor accuracy, and injuries - including a brief 2024 demotion to Joe Flacco - but he eyes turnarounds like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, who rebounded from early bust labels to thrive with big deals in Seattle and Tampa Bay.

#Colts HC Shane Steichen on Anthony Richardson Sr.: "He's back in the fold right now. That part's been. He's working ..."
On how he'll split reps: "(AR's) gonna get reps just like (Riley Leonard) will get reps."
Will AR compete for QB2? "We're in May. We'll see how it goes. ..."

A solid offseason and preseason could revive Richardson's trade appeal this fall or free-agency buzz in 2027.

He also aims to prove last season's severe eye injury no longer hinders him. An October orbital fracture from a pregame band mishap caused temporary right-eye vision loss, sidelining him for the final 2.5 months on IR despite a late December return to practice.

Intriguingly, even as Steichen cited vision concerns barring a 2025 return, Richardson joined scout-team drills and flashed during practices.

Sources say he excelled, guiding the scout team to scores versus the starters with elite throws that belied any eye limitations, per teammates.

"I've been hitting plays and thrilled to be out there again," he remarked then.

That late showing, paired with his standout 2025 camp - his finest yet - offers hope. He acknowledged some December vision glitches, with steady gains since, though the issue dented his trade stock lately, sources indicate.

Turning 24 on May 22, Richardson stays a puzzle.

Among least-tested first-round QBs with just 13 college starts at Florida, his cannon arm, frame (6-4, 244 lbs), and combine dominance tantalized scouts.

Results in Indy disappoint: 50.6% completions, 11 TDs to 13 INTs over 15 starts.

Regrets abound. GM Chris Ballard concedes rushing him as a rookie was misguided. Richardson drew heat from Steichen's staff for skimping on prep, prompting the 2024 benching.

Still, Ballard affirms Richardson's upside lately. No release talks internally, per sources.

"Anthony holds real league value, and I'm pleased with his progress," Ballard said. "He's a highly gifted kid."

The Colts passed on his 2027 fifth-year option but owe $5.69 million in 2026 salary/bonuses - steep for a top ex-first-rounder riding pine behind No. 189 pick Leonard.

Reintegrating him aligns logically. With Jones' Achilles rehab and spotty durability - missing starts in five of seven years, including last season's fibula crack and Achilles tear - depth matters.

If available post-Jones' injury, Richardson starts down the stretch for playoff-chasing Colts, averting the desperate Philip Rivers unretirement at 44.

Uncertainties persist, but Richardson keeps spirits high. Teammates adore him and vouch for his gifts.

"Great player," WR Josh Downs said. "Awesome mindset too. Joking around but grinding. Pumped to have him back smiling and working.

"We need A.R. and value him."