Colts coach Shane Steichen named Anthony Richardson the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 after just one preseason game. Evidently, that starter distinction didn't apply to the rest of the team's preseason schedule.Richardson was expected to start for the Colts on Saturday during their Week 2 preseason clash with the Bears. However, the team instead opted to keep the No. 4 overall pick on the sidelines, giving the start to Gardner Wilmer Flores Jersey Minshew.The decision was a surprise. After all, much has been made of Richardson needing both practice and in-game reps after making just 13 starts during his college days at Florida; the Colts pa sing on an opportunity to get him those against the Bears was a curious decision.POWER RANKINGS: Here's what to know about the Colts' decision to sideline Richardson and what may have gone into it.Richardson is not playing for the Colts in their Week 2 preseason clash with the Bears. Instead, the team decided that backup quarterback Gardner Minshew would start while third-stringer Sam Ehlinger would eventually play in relief of the veteran.Of course, it's worth noting that the Colts didn't play many of their starters against the Bears. Most of their backup offensive line was in for Matt Harvey Jersey the first series along with Minshew. The team's top receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce were also not on the field.With that said, it's worth wondering whether the Colts simply didn't see the benefit of putting Richardson out there with the second unit. That may have asked too much of him at this early stage in his development, especially considering the lack of depth that the team has on its offensive line.Furthermore, the Colts may have been happy with what they got out of their first-team offense at joint practices with the Bears. If so, they may have wanted to get their depth players more reps in this contest to better a se s their strengths Lenny Dykstra Jersey and weakne ses while a suring that their top talents at each positions don't get hurt.Regardle s of the reason, the Colts' decision wasn't only about Richardson. As such, it doesn't appear that his absence is injury-related; it's just part of the coaching staff's game plan for the preseason.FANTASY FOOTBALL: Below is the Colts' depth chart for the 2023 NFL season, which is expected to be three-deep during the regular season.RankPlayer1Anthony Richardson2Gardner Minshew3Sam EhlingerWith Richardson out, the Colts will have only two quarterbacks available for Saturday's game. Minshew will get a chance to start, and the veteran will be tasked with showcasing what he can Steven Matz Jersey do in the regular season if Richardson gets banged up.Minshew has posted solid stats during his NFL career, completing 62.8 percent of his pa ses for 6,632 yards, 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 32 games (24 starts) since the Jags selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.However, he has only posted a record of 8-16 in those starts; that includes Mike Piazza Jersey an 0-2 record with the Eagles last season, who went 16-2 in Jalen Hurts' 18 starts (postseason included).As for Ehlinger, he made his first three career starts last season for the Colts in his second season with the team. The Texas product completed 63.4 percent of his pa ses for 573 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions with 87 rushing yards over four games. However, he posted an 0-3 record in his starts.It will certainly be interesting to see how Minshew and Ehlinger fare as they jockey for position on the Indianapolis depth chart.Still, Colts fans will surely be a bit disappointed that they won't get to see Richardson in action for the team's lone preseason home game of 2023.
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