Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen provided a promising update on quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose rookie campaign was limited to just four games after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that he suffered in October.
Richardson has been on the mend since, and it sounds like he's making some very positive progress, according to his head coach.
"He's making great progress," Steichen said of Richardson. "You guys have seen obviously through social media, he's throwing. I'm not going to put a timetable on his return, but he's in great spirits, feeling good, obviously going through his stuff, but he's making really, really good progress."
The fact that Steichen didn't provide a timetable isn't especially surprising given how early in the offseason it is. He likely didn't want to put any additional pressure on Richardson by throwing a date out there.
Colts learning from past experience regarding injured quarterbacks
As an organization, the Colts have plenty of experience when it comes to dealing with an injured quarterback (read: Andrew Luck). Unfortunately, things didn't work out too well for them with Luck, who retired from the NFL in 2018. So, this time around they're learning from experience and opting to err on the side of caution when it comes to Richardson's return.
"I lived through the last one and I learned a lot of lessons living through the last one," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said of the situation. "So, forgive me for being a little cautious. . . . But is in good shape, he's throwing, he's got a good throwing program, got good people working with him. So, I'm encouraged about where he's at and where he's going."
Given the way things have transpired in the past, the Colts are probably wise to slow-play Richardson's return. After all, Richardson is just 21 years old, and should have a long, productive career ahead of him.
Assuming he's healthy and good to go by the time the time Week 1 rolls around, it will be extremely intriguing to see what Richardson can accomplish during his sophomore season.