Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson could be sidelined for the rest of the 2023 season

In Week 5, Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson went down with a shoulder injury. Once Richardson walked off the field holding his throwing arm in place, very gingerly, it was assumed that he would miss some time. That was confirmed when the rookie quarterback was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a grade 3 AC joint sprain.

Being added to the IR list knocks Richardson out for at least the next four games, but the Colts were honest that they didn’t really have an exact timeline for Richard’s recovery. It was initially reported that Richardson could possibly be back in four to six weeks if rehab goes well, but there was also the more grim possibility of surgery, which would be season ending.

Unfortunately, on Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the season-ending surgery is being strongly considered, which means Richardson won’t make his return to the Colts until the 2024 season.

Colts and Anthony Richardson considering season-ending surgery

Rapoport says that Indianapolis and Richardson have gotten several opinions. While it would be great for Richardson to resume play during his rookie season, the goal for the franchise is to take the best path for Richardson’s future. Indy wants to make sure Richardson has a full recovery, and that this injury doesn’t become a lingering issue for the promising young quarterback. The surgery could be the best option to ensure that, but Richardson and the Colts haven’t made an official decision yet.

Anthony Richardson has only played in four NFL games, just 173 snaps, but he has been extremely promising. In his four career games, he completed 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. On the ground, Richardson added 136 yards and four additional touchdowns. The biggest concern in his early performance has been his ability to stay healthy. Richardson has already suffered three injuries: a bruised knee in Week 1, which was minor, a concussion in Week 2, which caused him to miss a game, and the shoulder injury in Week 5, which may have ended his rookie season.

As long as Richardson can make a full recovery, the future is still bright in Indianapolis. In the meantime, the Colts are lucky to have one of the best backup quarterbacks in Gardner Minshew, who has been great this year. Minshew, and Indy’s dominant backfield, will work to keep this offense rolling.

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