Colts' Anthony Richardson 'Probably' Out For Rest of Rookie Year
What looked like a tremendous rookie campaign will likely be cut short for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
ESPN's Stephen Holder reports Richardson is "probably" going to miss the rest of the regular season, according to Colts' owner Jim Irsay. The rookie quarterback is likely heading for season-ending surgery on his right shoulder after Richardson and the Colts spoke with multiple medical experts regarding his injury. Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in the Colts' Week 5 win over the Tennessee Titans.
The Colts placed Richardson on injured reserve last week, keeping him out for at least the next four games. X-rays came back negative when Richardson initially suffered the injury, and reports stated an MRI determined a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. While rest and rehab is generally the course of action for a sprain of that grade, surgery was always an option.
While a final decision has not been made yet, it seems Richardson is heading toward surgery to repair the injury to his throwing shoulder. Here is what Irsay told ESPN on Monday:
"The most likelihood is he's probably going to be gone for the year," Irsay said. "I mean, it's not definite but [he] probably misses this year and we're going to have to contend with that factor."
The news that Richardson is likely out for the rest of the season is heartbreaking for the Colts. The rookie quarterback had gotten off to a fast start to his career and seemed to be getting better each week. The progress made by Richardson and the Colts' offense was noticeable.
In four games, Richardson was 50-of-84 (59.9%) for 577 yards and three touchdowns with only one interception. He also contributed 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
At the forefront of this decision is Richardson's long-term health. The Colts and Richardson want to do what is best for the 21-year-old quarterback to ensure he has a long and prosperous career. Head coach Shane Steichen echoed those sentiments on Monday.
"It is a priority," Steichen said regarding Richardson's long-term health. "Obviously, we want to do what’s best for him and this organization moving forward. Like I said, we will make the decision when the time is right. We’re still evaluating that process.”
It is encouraging to see the Colts taking into account their young quarterback's future. The Colts do not want to make the same mistakes they made with Andrew Luck. The Colts allowed Luck to play on multiple injuries, and it ultimately led to the superstar quarterback retiring at the young age of 29.
The Colts will likely turn to Gardner Minshew for the rest of the season. Minshew struggled against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, committing four turnovers in the 37-20 loss. Minshew and the Colts hope to rebound this week against a tough Cleveland Browns defense.
Richardson likely opting for surgery is another blow to the quarterback saga Colts fans have endured since Luck retired. However, surgery seems to be the best option for Richardson's long-term health, which is the most important piece to ensuring the uber-talented quarterback has a long and successful career in Indy.
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