Colts expect QB Anthony Richardson to miss 'some time,' unsure about surgery, injured reserve
Anthony Richardson is going to miss some time.
After Richardson sustained an injury to his throwing shoulder in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen on Monday confirmed reports that Richardson sprained his AC joint and told reporters that backup quarterback Gardner Minshew will start next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Beyond that, Richardson's prognosis is unclear. Steichen didn't rule rule out surgery or a stint on injured reserve for the rookie quarterback.
Gardner Minshew will start against Jacksonville.
Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen says Richardson will miss some time, but the team does not know how much time yet. Unsure if Richardson will undergo surgery or be placed on injured reserve at this point.— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) October 9, 2023
Richardson sustained the injury in the second quarter on a tackle by Titans linebacker Harold Landry III that drove his right shoulder into the turf. Richardson immediately tapped his shoulder with his left hand to indicate that he was injured.
Here's a clip of the Anthony Richardson injury#TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZhPnbM4drE
— crunchypuddle (@crunchypuddle1) October 8, 2023
He left the game and did not return. Minshew finished the 23-16 Colts victory.
Can Colts protect Richardson when he returns?
The injury is a blow for the Colts and Richardson, who has demonstrated significant upside through the first five weeks of his career. The strong arm and athleticism that made him the No. 4 pick in April's draft have been on full display, as he has tallied three passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns in four starts.
The risk that comes with his physical playing style has also been on display. Sunday's injury was his third in four starts. He finished his NFL debut on the sideline after blows to his ankle and his knee. A concussion sustained in Week 2 sidelined him for Week 3.
Now he's sidelined due to a shoulder injury, with his prognosis unclear. If he does land on injured reserve, he'll miss four weeks at a minimum.
When he returns, the Colts will face with the delicate balancing act of harnessing his athleticism without exposing him to unnecessary contact. It's a challenge that has befuddled the likes of those managing Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton. Coaching staffs in Baltimore and Buffalo face the same task in scheming for Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
Getting this right and protecting Richardson will be a top priority for Steichen and his staff.
