Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard addressed the status of several key players during media sessions at the 2026 NFL Combine, offering updates on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and right tackle Braden Smith.
Ballard rejected speculation that Anthony Richardson Sr., who was drafted fourth overall in 2023 but played only two games in 2025, may not have a future with the team. “I’m not gonna say he needs a complete fresh start,” Ballard said. “Anthony’s still young. He’s still developing. So we’ll see what the future holds. But I still believe in Anthony.” Richardson began last season as a backup and suffered a fractured orbital bone during pregame warmups before Week 6, resulting in vision issues that kept him sidelined for most of the year. He returned to practice while on injured reserve but was not activated to play.
Ballard confirmed that Richardson is now cleared to play football again and noted his positive approach throughout recovery: “I’m proud of Anthony,” Ballard said. “Here’s a guy that has had to deal with a lot of injury stuff that happens — unfortunate accident with his eye. He doesn’t win the job, Daniel wins the job. I think the one thing that I don’t know if everybody appreciates about Anthony – I do and I know some of his teammates do – is he’s a really good teammate. Positive. Wants to do the right thing. It’s trending in the right direction. Still got a ways to go. He’s cleared to play and the eye’s getting better. Just work from there.”
Head coach Shane Steichen also commented on Richardson’s progress: “I was so proud of the way he attacked last offseason and going into training camp, and the role that he had being the backup,” Steichen said. “Obviously, just a very unfortunate incident that happened to him in the locker room. So, you know, I know his eye’s progressing well, everything’s going well, and, you know, we’ll see what the future holds.”
Since joining Indianapolis, Richardson has appeared in 17 games (15 starts), completing 177 of 350 passes for 2,400 yards with 11 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Regarding wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is entering the final year of his contract after signing following receiving the franchise tag in 2024, Ballard emphasized Pittman’s importance despite his lowest yardage total since his rookie season: “I think the world of Pitt, who he is as a player,” Ballard said, “and any suggestion that he’s not going to be here is a pure hypothetical.” Steichen added: “Pitt’s been phenomenal for us,” Steichen said. “I mean, one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around, the way he plays the game, the contested catches (have) just absolutely been awesome.”
On defense, DeForest Buckner’s return remains uncertain after suffering a neck injury midseason followed by surgery late last year; however Ballard expressed optimism about Buckner’s recovery: “The way he works and who he is wouldn’t surprise me if it’s sooner,” Ballard said regarding Buckner’s potential return before training camp begins this summer.
Right tackle Braden Smith faces free agency for first time after returning from mental health challenges and starting thirteen games last season before being placed on injured reserve due to neck injury sustained late in season along with concussion symptoms from same game.
Ballard praised Smith’s openness about mental health struggles: “What he’s overcame, and his openness and willingness to make a difference in mental health space…is an issue,” Ballard said referencing recent tragedies affecting NFL community as context for Smith’s journey back onto field.
The Colts’ plans at right tackle remain undecided; rookie Jalen Travis started four games after Smith’s injury late last season—a development which Ballard previously described as promising for Travis’ future with team.
