The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2024 NFL campaign hoping second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson could avoid the injury issues that cost him most of his rookie season.
On Sunday, Richardson went down for the first time this year, suffering an apparent injury in the Colts’ Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s the latest on Indy’s QB1.
What Happened to Colts QB Anthony Richardson in Week 4?
Richardson was initially shaken up after taking a hard hit on a 1st-and-10 quarterback run with 5:42 remaining in the first quarter. He fumbled the ball, but Colts center Tanor Bortolini recovered.
Richardson missed two plays while backup quarterback Joe Flacco took under center.
Richardson returned with the Colts facing 1st-and-goal from the Steelers’ 6-yard line. Indy called a read option, and Richardson took another hard shot after keeping the ball. Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick arguably should’ve been penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson left the game after this hit.
He came back in and took another shot from Minkah Fitzpatrick …
Richardson is now in the locker room.pic.twitter.com/S1HEkWsctG
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 29, 2024
Richardson immediately left the field and headed for the Colts’ locker room. Flacco threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Downs two plays later.
Indianapolis initially announced that Richardson was questionable to return with a hip injury. However, the Colts officially ruled him out midway through the second quarter.
Richardson is believed to have suffered a hip pointer, per ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe. The Colts had a 17-0 lead over the Steelers when Richardson went down, so Indy “decided to be safe with his health and rule him out.”
Richardson returned to the Colts’ sideline near the end of the first quarter.
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After the game, Richardson said he would undergo an MRI but expected to hear good news.
“I’m feeling a little sore but feeling good, and we got the W,” Richardson said. “I think I’m going to be good.”
On Monday, NFL Network reported that Richardson is dealing with abdominal and oblique strains and “has a shot” to play against the New York Jets in Week 5.
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, missed the majority of his rookie campaign due to injuries.
He was sidelined for most of Week 2 and all of Week 3 because of a concussion.
In Week 5, Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Gardner Minshew took over as the Colts’ starting quarterback and nearly guided the club to the postseason.