Colts backup QB Anthony Richardson runs for a TD in 13-13 preseason tie with Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson ran for a touchdown, but also had two turnovers, in his first preseason action since early last season. The Colts and New England Patriots played to a 13-13 tie in Thursday night’s preseason opener. The backup New England quarterback, Tommy DeVito, connected with Kyle Williams on a 12-yard touchdown pass.
New England's Kyle Williams caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from DeVito. Kindle Vildor and John Saunders Jr. each intercepted passes for the Patriots, who rested star quarterback Drake Maye and most of their starters. Richardson's 1-yard touchdown run came on a sneak. He finished 11 of 14 for 145 yards, but lost a fumble and had a tipped pass intercepted by Vildor.
With Daniel Jones among many Colts starters who did not play, Richardson started the game. Indianapolis' fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft aims to secure the backup position behind Jones. In 2024, Richardson had the lowest completion rate of any starter in the NFL. The Colts suffered four turnovers and trailed most of the game before tying with an 61-yard field goal by Spencer Shrader with 1:16 left.
New England took the lead on a 19-yard pass from Behren Morton to Kobe Prentice, leading to an unnecessary roughness penalty on Mekhi Rodgers that moved the ball to the Colts' 31. Indianapolis missed a 49-yard field goal attempt with 13 seconds left. New England coach Mike Vrabel was visibly upset in the sideline after a challenging offseason involving numerous photos of him with a longtime NFL reporter.
DeVito completed 13 of 22 passes for 128 yards in a strong first half. He was the third quarterback on New England's roster last season after being claimed off waivers in August 2025. DeVito then became the primary backup in March following Dobbs' release, and signed a two-year extension. Patriots' star cornerback Christian Gonzalez was notably absent from the game, as he continues to negotiate his contract extension.
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