Shane Steichen reveals potential return date for Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen provided another promising update on Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson while speaking with media members at the NFL's annual meetings.

Richardson's rookie campaign was limited to just four games after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that he suffered in October. He's been on the mend since, and apparatently getting very close to a return to action.

“I think he'll be good to go for spring practice ,” Steichen said of Richardson. “Obviously, we’ve got to limit it and monitor it and don’t go overboard, but I can’t be more excited to get him back going again.

“His limited sample size that he had in those first five weeks were impressive," Steichen added. "I mean, he made some plays that I’ve never seen guys make.”

Spring practices are on the horizon, so Richardson must be very close to being completely healthy if Steichen expects him to be available. This is obviously exciting news for Colts fans, who only got a small taste of Richardson's skill set last season.

Richardson has a new backup

Richardson will have a new backup next season, as the Colts added former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco in free agency. Flacco brings a whole lot of experience and knowledge to the team, and he's eager and willing to help Richardson however he can.

"It's just about being in the room with him and a lot of conversations naturally come up when you spend so much time together in a row," Flacco said. "It's just kind of I think being able to bring the experience and being able to help him simplify things and go out there and play fast and use his skillset the way he wants to."

Hopefully, Flacco won't have to play much, if at all, for the Colts next season, but it's always a good idea to have a reliable backup in place, especially when your starter is coming off of a serious injury like Richardson is. Once he's ready to return, he and Flacco can begin building some chemistry together.