The 2025 preseason will be the most important of Anthony Richardson’s NFL career so far. He is in the middle of an open battle for the starting job with Daniel Jones, and the start of that competition was far from ideal for Richardson.
He began the preseason opener as the starter but suffered a finger injury after taking a hard hit from a defender. Following the game, he received candid advice from an NFL legend and analyst about improving his on-field awareness.
Michael Irvin Warns Anthony Richardson About His Game Awareness After Injury In Hard Hit
The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback battle is one of the biggest storylines to watch in the 2025 preseason, both for Richardson and Jones, who is looking to reclaim a starting role in the NFL after a disappointing finish with the New York Giants.
Head coach Shane Steichen had revealed that both quarterbacks would get a chance to start, one in each week, and for Richardson, this was his opportunity to prove his worth.
However, he left the game with a finger injury after taking a hard hit on a simulated pressure by the Baltimore Ravens that left a defender unblocked.
This is the play where Anthony Richardson was injured — sacked by David Ojabo, who came in untouched. It appears to be an arm injury for Richardson.pic.twitter.com/v0JbEMWDL6 https://t.co/FEmDEMuEE7
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 7, 2025
On the play, Richardson was hit without ever seeing the defender, which made the impact even harder as he couldn’t brace himself. It remains unclear whose blocking assignment it was, but indications point to a communication breakdown, likely involving the running back’s responsibility to pick up the free rusher who got to the quarterback.
After the hit, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and NFL legend Michael Irvin posted a sharp critique on X about Richardson’s approach and the pre-snap reads needed to prevent such plays.
Anthony Richardson has to SEE it SOONER and then he can THROW it SOONER!!! You are in a QB battle bro!!!!! @Colts
— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) August 7, 2025
Richardson’s struggles with reads in the NFL are nothing new. In his two years in the league, he has consistently had trouble working through progressions, often holding onto the ball too long, which has led to sacks and missed open windows for his receivers.
Injuries have also plagued his career. As a rookie, he missed 13 games in total, suffering a season-ending throwing shoulder injury. He also dealt with a concussion that sidelined him for two games, a hip injury last season, as well as back and foot issues that caused him to miss the final two games of the year.
Earlier this offseason during OTAs, he again missed time with a shoulder injury that kept him out of some practices. This recurring unavailability raises questions about his status in the starting competition and strengthens the case for the team potentially going with Jones instead.
In this specific instance, the communication breakdown once again cost him time on the field, and it could also cost him the starting job this season.
