The Indianapolis Colts are looking to the future regarding their quarterback, but should something go awry this season, the team has a more-than-capable backup.
The Colts drafted Anthony Richardson with the fourth pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and the raw talent from Florida got the start in the team’s preseason debut Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. That’s a good indication he might be the starter come Week 1 when the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10.
However, the Colts have also brought in veteran Gardner Minshew this season, which still can have a positive impact on the Colts playoff chances should they need to lean on Minshew. The former Jags and Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller is expected to get the nod should Richardson get hurt or if team officials feel their rookie may need some time to develop before being entrusted to run the offense.
But how does Minshew compare with other teams’ backup QBs?
Learn More: NFL Betting Promotions
Ranking NFL’s Backup QBs
Your home for Kentucky sports betting, BetKentucky.com utilized data on all 32 backup QBs from Pro-Football-Reference.com on games started, QB rating, TD%, and INT% to compile an aggregate ranking of the most valuable backup QBs in the league.
Minshew is Quite Valuable
According to our research, Minshew is tied with Marcus Mariota, who takes over for Minshew as the Eagles' No. 2 this season, as the most valuable backup.
With just 24 career starts, the 27-year-old ranks among the middle of the pack as far as experience goes, but his 93.1 rating and 1.6% interception percentage both rank second among likely backups. Minshew’s 4.7% touchdown rate is third among the 32 second-stringers.
Most of Minshew’s starts came during his first two seasons in Jacksonville, but he did get two starts in each of the last two seasons. Last season, he got the call while Jalen Hurts was recovering from a sprain to his right throwing shoulder. The Eagles lost both, but he threw for 629 yards on 42-of-72 passing in his starts. Minshew threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, although he also tossed three interceptions.
Stay with BetKentucky.com for the latest sports betting developments and learn how you can score the best Kentucky sports betting promos from the operators approved in the state.
Learn More: Tracking The Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl Odds
