The Indianapolis Colts might have to do without their promising young quarterback, Anthony Richardson, for the entire 2023 NFL season. Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggest that Richardson, currently on injured reserve due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, is leaning towards undergoing season-ending surgery to address the injury.
Richardson sustained the shoulder injury during the Colts’ Week 5 victory against the Tennessee Titans. In the second quarter, while running with the ball, he was tackled by two defenders, leading to a direct impact on his shoulder.
Following this incident, Richardson left the game and did not return. The Colts managed to secure the win with Gardner Minshew taking over as quarterback in the second half.
The diagnosis revealed a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, prompting the Colts to place Richardson on injured reserve. Although the injury is severe, Richardson’s MRI results provided a glimmer of hope. The examination indicated that his labrum remained intact, and the ligaments appeared better than initially anticipated.
This setback was a significant blow for the Colts, as Richardson was emerging as a formidable threat on the field. Paired with running back Jonathan Taylor, who recently recovered from an ankle injury, Richardson showcased his potential in the four games he played this season.
He accumulated 577 passing yards with three touchdowns and contributed 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
For Colts fans, this situation adds to the team’s unfortunate history of quarterback challenges. Starting with Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement after the 2018 season, the Colts navigated a series of quarterback changes, including relying on Jacoby Brissett in 2019 and experimenting with veterans like Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz in subsequent years.
Richardson was seen as a chance to reset the team’s quarterback position, but his injury has thrown a wrench into those plans.
However, the Colts are approaching Richardson’s injury cautiously, seeking multiple opinions before deciding on the best course of action. While losing him for the remainder of the season is undoubtedly disappointing, the team is prioritizing his long-term recovery, potentially paving the way for a strong return in the 2024 season.
