Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson makes his debut as they lose to the Buffalo Bills in the first preseason game.

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Colts’ preseason opener against Buffalo ended in a 23-19 loss for the Colts, and quarterback Anthony Richardson played his first snaps in an NFL game that day.
The first three series were started and played by the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft.

The rookie’s first pass attempt was successful for five yards to Isaiah McKenzie. On the following play, Evan Hull gained a first down before Richardson threw an interception to Dane Jackson.

On their second drive, the Colts made progress, gaining three first downs before coming to a halt when Hull was stopped for no gain by Damar Hamlin on fourth-and-1 at the Bills’ 40-yard line.

Even more effective was their third drive. Richardson gained 20 yards from Kylen Granson, 11 from McKenzie, 10 from Hull, and nearly 40 from Alex Pierce for a big score.

Richardson again demonstrated his speed by sprinting to the Buffalo five-yard line, but the play was reversed due to a holding infraction by Pharaoh Brown. The Colts settled for a field goal attempt from 28 yards out, but new kicker Matt Gay missed the attempt to the left.

The quarterback’s 7 of 12 final attempts for 67 yards and one interception were a failure. He ran for seven yards twice.

At the conclusion of the second quarter, Gardner Minshew directed the second-team offense on a 12-play, 88-yard touchdown drive that included Jake Funk. 10-7 was the Bills’ halftime lead.

The Colts took a 13-10 lead after fifth-round draft pick Darius Rush intercepted Kyle Allen and returned the fumble 52 yards for a score.

Two touchdown throws from Matt Barkley, including one of 13 yards to former Colts wide receiver Dezmon Patmon, helped Buffalo regain the lead.

In the fourth quarter, Jason Huntley scored a touchdown on a 3-yard run while playing third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

The Colts will now focus on their joint practices with the Bears on Wednesday and Thursday as well as their second preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium the following week.