Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson made an early exit in Thursday’s preseason debut after taking a sack from Baltimore’s David Ojabo.
The Ravens edge rusher was unblocked en route to Richardson, who injured a finger and was quickly ruled out for the game.
In his place, former New York Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones took his first preseason snaps with the team since signing as a free agent in the offseason. Jones is widely expected to compete with Richardson for the starting job after both of their respective struggles in recent seasons.
At practice this week, Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen announced it would be Richardson starting at quarterback against the Ravens, with a plan to play about 1 1/2 quarters. Jones, meanwhile, was expected to play some in the second quarter before reversing roles with Richardson next week in Green Bay.
Instead, Jones saw extended time in the first quarter, completing five of his first 13 passes for 64 yards as the Colts added a pair of field goals. But, like Richardson, Jones also took a sack when the Colts failed to pick up blitzing Ravens linebacker Adisa Isaac.
Richardson did complete two of three passes for 21 yards before being sacked by Ojabo and making his way to the sideline.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) is sacked by Ravens linebacker David Ojabo
Anthony Richardson is seen prior to playing against the Ravens on Thursday in Baltimore
There was some good news for the Colts as rookie tight end Tyler Warren recorded catches on his first three targets for 40 yards. The first-round pick out of Penn State is being counted on as a likely starter for the Colts’ offense.
The bad news for the Colts was on defense, where they struggled to contain a Ravens offense that was without quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, as well as receivers Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins.
The Colts defense, meanwhile, had an up-and-down first half against a Ravens team that was without quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, as well as receivers Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins.
Indianapolis did pick off quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Devin Leary, but were then overwhelmed by running back Keaton Mitchell, who gained 68 yards and a touchdown on his first nine carries.
The most exciting moment of the first half was delivered by Baltimore punt returner LaJohntay Wester, who easily scampered 87 yards for a touchdown to give the Ravens a 14-3 lead.
The Colts later cut that advantage to 14-6 on the second of Spencer Shrader’s two firs-half field goals.
