Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faces the likelihood of being sidelined for the remainder of the regular NFL season, and there’s a strong possibility of him undergoing shoulder surgery within the next week. This concerning news was confirmed by team owner Jim Irsay in a recent interview with ESPN.
Richardson, the fourth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, suffered an AC joint sprain in his right (throwing) shoulder during the second quarter of the Colts’ Week 5 victory over the Tennessee Titans. In the time since the injury occurred, the Colts have been seeking multiple medical opinions on the best course of action. Irsay revealed that these evaluations are currently pointing in a particular direction.
“The most likely scenario is that he’s probably going to be out for the rest of the year,” Irsay stated. “While it’s not a definitive decision, the probability is high that he will miss this season, and we’ll need to adapt to that reality.”
One of the significant decisions to be made is whether Richardson’s injury necessitates surgical intervention or if a continued rehabilitation process would suffice. Irsay leaned towards the former option, indicating that surgery is the more probable choice.
“There are ongoing discussions, but it appears increasingly likely that surgery will be scheduled in the coming week,” Irsay noted. “We’re in the process of determining the specific timing and considering Anthony’s input on how he’d like to proceed.”
Crucially, Richardson’s own preference plays a pivotal role in this decision-making process, according to Irsay. While the ultimate call rests with Richardson and those advising him, most players tend to adhere to the guidance provided by medical professionals. The Colts are taking a cautious approach due to the immense significance of Richardson’s health to the team’s long-term prospects.
In their first game without Richardson, the Colts suffered a 37-20 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and their record now stands at 3-3. They are slated to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
Multiple sources within the organization have revealed that medical experts are actively discussing the next steps, and no final determinations have been reached yet. Richardson’s injury has been assessed by several top specialists in the country.
Irsay, despite the setback, remains optimistic about the team’s overall potential. He emphasized, “We still believe we have an exceptional football team, and we will take each game one step at a time.”
