Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has looked better than advertised thus far throughout his brief NFL career. His combination of size, speed, and arm talent has made the Colts a fun team to watch and added an extra layer of dynamism to an offense that desperately needed it. However, after suffering an injury to his right shoulder last week, the Colts have placed Richardson on injured reserve.
Richardson suffered what is believed to be a Grade 3 AC joint sprain and will be sidelined for at least the next four games while on the IR. However, Richardson may not be ready to be activated in four weeks when he is first eligible. ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Richardson will be expected to miss anywhere from four to eight weeks depending on his rehab process or if he needs surgery.
It’s a tough blow for Richardson and the Colts. This is now the second injury that has forced Richardson to miss games in just four career starts. This is a noteworthy trend for a quarterback who is predicated on creating plays with his mobility. While Richardson has shown he is a capable thrower of the football, his rushing ability is what separates him from most quarterbacks in the NFL.
Richardson is eligible to return in Week 10 when the Colts head to Germany to face the New England Patriots. However, the Colts have a bye in Week 11 and could decide to hold him out through the bye for additional rest. It will be interesting to see if the Colts scale back his designed rushing usage upon returning from injury to avoid any potential setbacks/additional injuries.
