Following the Indianapolis Colts’ first OTA practice, head coach Shane Steichen was asked about the quarterback competition.

(This article was updated to provide additional information.)

The Indianapolis Colts held their first OTA practice on Wednesday. It’s during this portion of the offseason, where it is still non-contact, but teams can have 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, which provides Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones more game-like reps.

Earlier this offseason, head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that Richardson and Jones would be splitting the first-team reps throughout offseason programs and into the summer, which is how things unfolded on the practice field on Wednesday.

“It is an open competition,” Steichen said after practice. “Those guys are competing. We’re breaking down the reps; they’re both getting one reps, they’re both getting two reps. I think through OTAs, we got nine good practices, they’ll both get about 170 reps a piece with those guys, with the ones and twos. We’ll flip-flop them.”

During a previous media interview, Steichen also mentioned that ultimately, it will be consistency that determines who wins the starting job. Other than having to make a decision for Week 1, there is no timeline for this competition, and the Colts will let it play out until someone emerges.

Both Steichen and GM Chris Ballard believe that the competition among Richardson and Jones will help raise their level of play, and therefore the level of play of the entire position group.

While not an apples-to-apples comparison, we did see Richardson’s play improve last season upon his return from being benched, which included leading two fourth-quarter comebacks late in the season.

The emphasis this offseason for Richardson has been on the fundamentals, specifically his footwork, which for quarterbacks, is where accuracy often starts.

“I think every year the fundamentals and technique continue to get better,” Steichen said of Richardson. “Obviously, we’re working through those, but I’ve seen strides in those areas since the Spring and into practice today.”

Jones has been a relatively efficient quarterback in his career, completing 64% of his passes, but struggled with interceptions and generating big plays with the Giants last season.

The Colts have a well put-together roster overall, but their ceiling will be determined by the level of play from whoever is under center.