Colts bench Daniel Jones for Anthony Richardson in 42-7 loss to Jaguars

Indianapolis pulled Jones early in the fourth quarter Sunday after his second interception, and Richardson played the rest of the blowout in Jacksonville. The Colts have not said who starts next week, so Jones and Richardson owners should prepare for either answer.

By RSO NFL Desk / 3 sources / Published November 1, 2026

The Colts benched quarterback Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 42-7 loss at Jacksonville and sent in Anthony Richardson, Underdog NFL and Yahoo Sports confirmed. The Indianapolis Star's beat writer also had Richardson on the field to start the drive. The loss drops Indianapolis to 2-6.
What's confirmed
Jones was 19 of 28 for 144 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions when he came out with a little over 11 minutes to play, according to Yahoo Sports. His first interception was returned for a Jaguars touchdown that made it 28-0 at halftime. He stayed in to open the third quarter and threw a touchdown to avoid the shutout, but a pick by Branson Combs on his first drive of the fourth quarter ended his day.
It was Richardson's first game action since Week 5 of last season.
Jones came into the week with four touchdown passes and seven interceptions in seven starts. That is a long way from his 2025 form, when he threw 19 touchdowns in 13 starts before a torn Achilles ended his season.
What isn't settled
The Colts have not named a starter for next week. A fourth-quarter switch in a blowout can be a mercy move as much as a demotion, so wait for the coaching staff's Monday comments before treating this as a depth chart change.
There is also context on Richardson. The team said in October it was gathering information after he was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession on Oct. 19, and it has not announced any discipline.
On the contract side, Jones signed an extension that runs through 2028, but Yahoo notes Indianapolis can get out of the deal this offseason.
What RSO owners should do now
If you start Jones in a superflex or 2QB league, line up a backup plan for next week now. If Richardson is on your waiver wire, he is a cheap stash with real upside because of his rushing.
Contract-league owners should treat Jones as a short-term asset with a shrinking window. Don't add years or cap commitments to him until Indianapolis picks a direction.
Colts pass catchers take a hit either way. Weekly volume gets less predictable while the quarterback job is unsettled.
What to watch next
Watch Monday's coach press conference for a named Week 9 starter, Wednesday's first-team practice reps, and any update on Richardson's legal matter. A permanent switch would make Jones' contract an offseason cut candidate.

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