Colts QB Anthony Richardson Reveals Severity of Back Spasms

It doesn't sound very good for the young quarterback.

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson didn't shy away from the severity of his back injury. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson was ruled out of the team's Week 17 loss to the New York Giants with back spasms. Upon announcing the injury, the Colts said that Richardson was dealing with "soreness" that was precluding him from playing.

But when Richardson addressed the media on New Year's Day, the injury to his back sounded much worse. The quarterback told reporters that his spasms were so bad that he couldn't even stand up, and an MRI revealed "a disc thing" that "might be chronic," according to James Boyd of The Athletic.

Richardson added that he is not expecting to have surgery and that back issues are something that he's dealt with since the eighth grade.

#Colts QB Anthony Richardson said he “couldn’t even stand up” last week due to severe back spasms.

He said he’s had back issues since eighth grade and got an MRI that revealed a “disc thing.”

He said his back issues “might be chronic,” but he doesn’t think he’ll need surgery. pic.twitter.com/Wf6zN6x4ux

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 1, 2025

It certainly doesn't sound like Richardson will be playing in the team's season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but regardless of whether he plays or not, his health improving will be paramount to the franchise's outlook in 2025 and beyond.

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