Anthony Richardson’s NFL career hasn’t gotten off to the best start. The 2023 fourth overall pick has only appeared in 15 games for the Indianapolis Colts, with injuries and a benching cutting his two seasons short.
He’s recovering from a shoulder injury that will hold him out of Colt’s minicamp. Head coach Shane Steichen recently provided a much-needed update on Richardson’s status for training camp.
Shane Steichen Says Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Needs ‘Rest and Time’
Richardson played in four games as a rookie because of a concussion and a season-ending shoulder injury. He posted a 2-2 record, and the Colts missed the playoffs by a game, despite finishing 9-8.
He had surgery to fix the grade-three AC joint sprain that ended his rookie campaign, but opened the season as Indianapolis’ starter. His most infamous NFL moment came in Week 8 when Richardson pulled himself out of the game for “a breather.” The Colts lost to the Houston Texans that day, with Richardson going 10 of 32 for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
He was benched for the following two weeks after completing a league-worst 44.4% of his passes to that point. He returned in Week 11 and played the next five games before missing the last two with a back injury.
Richardson finished the season as the No. 37 quarterback in PFSN’s QB+ metric after totaling 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 47.7% of his passes.
A new shoulder injury popped up during the team’s offseason program, and the Colts decided to keep Richardson out of the team’s mandatory minicamp. Steichen provided an update, saying that the quarterback sought a second opinion on the injury. Team reporter Stephen Holder relayed Steichen’s comments on X.
Holder posted, “Colts coach Shane Steichen says QB Anthony Richardson did see Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for a second opinion on his shoulder, but the outlook remains the same: Just needs rest and time for right now.”
Colts coach Shane Steichen says QB Anthony Richardson did see Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for a second opinion on his shoulder, but the outlook remains the same: Just needs rest and time for right now.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 10, 2025
How Will Richardson’s Injury Affect Colts’ Plan at QB?
Richardson can’t seem to find his footing with Indianapolis, and the timing of this injury brings Daniel Jones more firmly into the QB1 discussion. The Colts signed Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract this offseason and expect him to compete with Richardson for the starting job.
Jones is coming off a rough 2024 with the New York Giants after getting released midseason, but his one-year contract should motivate him to beat out Richardson. Both quarterbacks rely on their legs often, so the Colts’ offense should be able to operate normally with either one under center.
Jones has rushed for at least 206 yards in his six seasons, while Richardson totaled 499 yards and six rushing touchdowns in 2024. This is one of the NFL’s more intriguing quarterback battles heading into 2025, and should be monitored through training camp.
With Richardson on the shelf until then, Jones will have the opportunity to show Steichen exactly what he can do for the Colts.
