INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Daniel Jones Progressing in OTAs | Does Recent QB Move Have Hidden Meaning?

Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts29mJune 3, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The Colts' quarterback situation is heating up as Daniel Jones continues to progress through OTAs, showing strong arm strength and accuracy in seven-on-seven drills despite recovering from an Achilles injury. His return to full activity signals confidence in his Week 1 readiness. But the real intrigue lies in the team's recent move to sign Easton Stick, a veteran backup with a history of working under head coach Shane Steichen in LA. This unexpected addition—especially given the absence of any clear need for a fourth quarterback—has sparked speculation that the Colts may be positioning for a potential trade of Anthony Richardson, who remains healthy and physically sharp. While Richardson’s performance in OTAs has been solid, the timing of Stick’s arrival suggests the team is preparing for multiple scenarios. On offense, Ashton Doolin has emerged as a standout, stepping into a larger role with Alec Pierce sidelined, while running backs DJ Giddens and Seth McGowan have shown promise in limited reps. Defensively, key players like Sauce Gardner and DeForest Buckner are still absent, but standouts like Jonathan Edwards and Jalen Jones have made impactful plays, hinting at depth and potential rotation shifts. With mandatory minicamp approaching, the real evaluation begins—and the Colts may be laying the groundwork for a pivotal offseason move. The episode underscores a subtle but strategic shift: the Colts aren’t just preparing for the regular season—they’re building flexibility.

Key Takeaways
1

Daniel Jones is on track for Week 1, showing strong accuracy and arm strength in seven-on-seven drills.

2

The signing of Easton Stick is highly unusual for a backup role and suggests possible trade preparation for Anthony Richardson.

3

Ashton Doolin has emerged as a top target in the receiving corps due to Alec Pierce’s absence.

4

DJ Giddens is showing improved decisiveness and speed, indicating potential growth beyond last year’s meh performance.

5

Jonathan Edwards has improved ball awareness, making key pass breakups and showing more playmaking ability.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
1:05
2 min

Daniel Jones' Progress and QB Room Dynamics

I do think that move is quite interesting. There's no reason to really replace a guy like Seth Hennigan as QB4 unless you're just getting absolutely nothing out of him because they're not guys that are going to play anyways. So this could be Shane Steichen and just bolstering the quarterback room and making it as good as possible, or it could be getting a third quarterback in here because you're going to be losing one in the short term.

Highlight
3:00
2 min

Anthony Richardson’s Health and Trade Speculation

Richardson appears healthy and physically sharp, with no signs of lingering issues from his eye injury. His strong performance raises trade value, and the team’s move to sign Easton Stick may be a strategic signal of intent.

5:23
4 min

The Significance of Easton Stick’s Signing

To me, if I'm doing the Brian Windhorst, what does this mean meme thing? Does this mean that something is happening with Anthony Richardson at some point coming down the pipe?

Highlight
9:08
5 min

Running Backs and Offensive Development

With Jonathan Taylor and Alec Pierce absent, DJ Giddens and Seth McGowan have stepped up. Giddens shows improved decision-making and speed, while McGowan excels in short-yardage situations.

14:00
4 min

Receiver Group and Tight End Impact

Ashton Doolin has taken a lead role in the receiving corps due to Pierce’s absence. Tight ends like Tyler Warren and Drew Ogletree have made big plays, but the group still lacks consistent depth.

High-Impact Quotes
But I do think that move is quite interesting. There's no reason to really replace a guy like Seth Hennigan as QB4 unless you're just getting absolutely nothing out of him because they're not guys that are going to play anyways. So this could be Shane Stike and just bolstering the quarterback room and making it as good as possible, or it could be getting a third quarterback in here because you're going to be losing one in the short term.
Jake Arthur8:37
To me, if I'm doing the Brian Windhorst, what does this mean meme thing? Does this mean that something is happening with Anthony Richardson at some point coming down the pipe?
Jake Arthur7:01
You know, that's a big play. You can't really ignore stuff like that. Some guys just have a knack. They're not the most physically impressive, but they just have a knack for playing ball.
Jake Arthur22:54
Speakers

Host

Jake Arthur
Topics Discussed
indianapolis colts95%daniel jones90%anthony richardson85%qb trade speculation80%colts otas75%easton stick70%running back depth65%defensive rotation60%
People & Brands

Daniel Jones

person

15xPositive

Anthony Richardson

person

14xPositive

Jake Arthur

person

12xNeutral

Riley Leonard

person

8xNeutral

Easton Stick

person

7xNeutral

Jonathan Edwards

person

6xPositive

Jalen Jones

person

5xPositive

Arden Key

person

4xNeutral

CJ Allen

person

4xPositive

Bryce Boettcher

person

3xNeutral

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