The Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson at No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft with plans of building the franchise around him. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are hitching their wagon to him.

But there's a chance that the franchise is patient with the former Florida star. Indianapolis signed veteran signal caller Gardner Minshew earlier this offseason. Minshew has experience in Steichen's system and has had good moments in the league.

Therefore, it's not the worst idea to allow Richardson to learn from Minshew until he's comfortable and confident enough to take over the role. In fact, that might be where Indianapolis is leaning at this point in the offseason.

Minshew was taking all the first-team reps during Friday's practice. While Richardson was working with the second-team. That's different than the previous week that saw the two passers split the reps with the starters.

Which puts a bit of twist on the offseason for the Colts. Because it appeared as if things were trending towards Indianapolis wasting little time in pushing Richardson. After all, he could certainly use the first-team reps and experience as he transitions to the NFL.

Regarding Colts OTAs, which was open to media today, the big takeaway was QB Anthony Richardson working exclusively w the No. 2 offense after splitting first team reps with Minshew last week. HC Shane Steichen didn’t elaborate on why. What to make of this? (more)

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 2, 2023

Additionally, Richardson only has one full season of starting experience under his belt. Meaning that sitting behind and waiting wouldn't do him much good in comparison to allowing him to learn in-game.

Of course, this could all mean nothing. Every practice is different and perhaps the staff is just giving both quarterbacks opportunities to work with different players. Besides, training camp and the preseason are both weeks away.

Still, giving Minshew all the first-team reps and having Richardson work with the second-team at least puts a bit of a twist on the offseason. If nothing else, how Steichen handles the competition is worth following until week one.

Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports