Rookie Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson displayed remarkable maturity when he self-reported the symptoms that led to the discovery of a concussion, forcing him out of Sunday’s victory against the Texans.
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson will start this week in concussion protocol, per sources.
Indy takes on the #Ravens in Baltimore next week. pic.twitter.com/6GHFRrGpsE
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 18, 2023
The incident that resulted in the concussion occurred two series before Richardson reported his symptoms. He was sprinting toward the end zone for his second touchdown of the game when Houston safety M.J. Stewart delivered a hit that caused him to fall backwards, with his head striking the turf. Remarkably, Richardson immediately rose to celebrate, giving no indication of injury. He remained in the game for two additional series before alerting the medical staff.
Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen confirmed, “I think it happened on the second touchdown. And then he self-reported it.”
Here’s the moment where it is believed Anthony Richardson became concussed.
End of his 2nd TD, his head indeed snaps back and hits the turf rather hard. Shoutout the AT spotters for catching this as soon as they did. pic.twitter.com/SUwLGKfw9Z
— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) September 17, 2023
Richardson was officially ruled out in the second quarter after posting stats of 6 completions on 10 attempts for 56 yards and two touchdowns, accompanied by 35 rushing yards. The exact moment of the concussion remains uncertain, though it appeared to occur during his second-quarter touchdown run when he made contact with the back of his head on the turf. He remained on the field for the following two Colts’ possessions before undergoing evaluation in the medical tent and subsequently in the locker room.
Following a thorough concussion assessment, Richardson was removed from the game and did not return.
His status moving forward will depend on the NFL’s concussion protocol as the Colts (1-1) prepare for a Week 3 road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Richardson was replaced by backup Gardner Minshew, who entered the game with 12:45 remaining in the second quarter.
WATCH: #Colts Owner Jim Irsay gives an update on QB Anthony Richardson EXCLUSIVELY LIVE on @WISH_TV Postgame Show pic.twitter.com/FB1TrgweDk
— Angela Moryan (@SidelineStormer) September 17, 2023
In terms of the NFL protocol for concussions when a player sustains a head injury, it involves several steps, including evaluations by medical experts known as unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants (UNCs) assigned to each game. These UNC evaluations encompass sideline assessments, locker room examinations, and potential return-to-participation protocols.
NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy clarified, “The role of spotters is to look for injurious behavior. If the spotters observe a player demonstrate such behavior as struggling to get up, displaying instability, disorientation, or distress they will call down to on-field medical staff to ensure he is evaluated,” McCarthy said. “The spotters are not looking for hard hits but rather behavior following a play that necessitates evaluation.”
Richardson’s decision to report his condition showcases his professionalism and responsibility, prioritizing his team’s well-being. Tight end Kylen Granson commended this mature approach, acknowledging that it’s not easy for a competitor and professional athlete to step off the field in such circumstances.
Rapid fire #NFL injury updates for week 2. 10 injuries in <1 minute:#Colts QB Anthony Richardson: concussion. Avg is just over 1 week missed, ~60% chance of missing week 3 returning week 4.#Raiders Davante Adams: possible concussion. IF he enters concussion protocol: ~38% of… pic.twitter.com/iXFAF5thcr
— MEDspiration (@MEDspirationNFP) September 18, 2023
“I feel like that’s the most mature thing you can do as a professional athlete is to acknowledge, ‘Hey, I’m not right right now,'” Granson displayed. “‘I’m not going to help my team win, so let’s put someone in there who can help us win and I’ll come back.’ So, I think that was a very mature, professional thing, because the last thing you want is someone to play through something like that and then it gets worse and then you’re talking about who knows what.”
“It was very smart, very mature and it’s definitely hard to do. You never want to step off the field as a competitor, as a pro athlete. You want to stay out there with your teammates. But it’s for the good of the team.”
