Colts' Anthony Richardson Officially Out for the Year
It's been suspected for a few days now, but it has become official as of Wednesday that Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his injured throwing shoulder.
Colts owner Jim Irsay took to X on Wednesday morning to make the announcement:
After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season. Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our team. We collected several medical opinions and we felt this was the best course of action for his long-term health. We anticipate a full recovery and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future. In the meantime, I love the fight of this team and I’m excited for the opportunity we have ahead of us. It starts this week with Cleveland.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the news to reporters but declined to give a timetable, rather saying it will be "soon."
Richardson suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder during the Colts' Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans when a defender tackled him and Richardson's shoulder drove into the playing surface.
His rookie season now ends after four games and six weeks, having completed 50-of-84 passes (59.5%) for 577 yards (6.9 YPA), 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a passer rating of 87.3. He also ran 25 times for 136 yards (5.4 avg.) and 4 touchdowns.
Gardner Minshew now officially becomes the Colts' starting quarterback and has seen action in five of the Colts' six games due to injuries to Richardson.
Sitting at 3-3 on the season, the Colts will now shift focus offensively to build things around what Minshew can do, which is quite a bit different from Richardson's abilities.
Minshew has completed 90-of-138 (65.2%) passes this season for 882 yards (6.4 YPA), 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a passer rating of 81.2.
The Colts host the Cleveland Browns at 1:00pm ET this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
