INDIANAPOLIS — Quarterback Anthony Richardson played in a game for the first time since October as the Colts opened the preseason with a 34-30 loss to Denver at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
Richardson played the Colts’ first two offensive series, going 2-for-4 for 25 yards. He also led the team to one first down on a 19-yard completion to tight end Mo Alie-Cox.
The fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft missed most of his rookie year after suffering a shoulder injury in week 5 that required season-ending surgery.
Defensive back Kenny Moore’s interception was the highlight of the day for the Colts’ first-team defense. The takeaway led to a 35-yard Matt Gay field goal for the first points of the game.
The Broncos answered with 10 points to take the lead. Indianapolis running back Evan Hull, returning from injury, scored from a yard out to tie the game. Denver regained the lead on field goal right before halftime.
Former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime scored a 2-yard touchdown for Denver to make it 20-10 early in the third quarter. Sixth-round draft pick Micah Abraham provided the second big play for the Colts’ defense, scooping up a fumble and returning it 45 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-17.
The teams exchanged two touchdowns to cement the final margin.
The Colts host the Arizona Cardinals for two days of joint workouts at Grand Park in Westfield before meeting them in their second preseason game on Saturday night at 7 p.m. on CBS4.