The Indianapolis Colts defeated the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but several key players got hurt in the process. Running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain, and quarterback Anthony Richardson left the game with an injury as well. What is Richardson’s status, and is he in danger of missing some time?
The Latest on Anthony Richardson’s Injury
After missing most of his 2023 rookie campaign with injuries, Richardson hoped to make it through his second NFL season without a health-related pause.
Unfortunately, after taking a pair of hard hits in the first quarter, he suffered a hip pointer.
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
While Richardson was sidelined for nearly all of Indy’s Week 4 win, he’s not expected to miss much time moving forward. However, it does seem like he’s in danger of missing the Colts’ Week 5 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Richardson barely participated in Friday’s practice, with backup QB Joe Flacco taking nearly all of the first-team reps. In both Wednesday and Thursday’s practices, Richardson was listed as a limited participant. He’s currently listed as questionable to play this week.
Looks like #Colts QB Joe Flacco is taking most, if not all, of the first-team reps today. Anthony Richardson is standing behind Flacco right now and just watching him throw during a red zone/end zone drill.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 4, 2024
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.”
Richardson was described as day-to-day, and it’s possible the Colts are just being cautious with their young quarterback. Check back on Sunday morning for the latest on Richardson’s availability.
Update: Richardson is inactive. Joe Flacco will start.
Richardson’s Fantasy Outlook
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Richardson’s rookie season was derailed by a pair of injuries, and on Sunday, we saw more of the same. Richardson left the game early due to an injury, came back to run a red-zone RPO, and was promptly banged up again, an injury that ended his afternoon.
Two of Richardson’s three completions went to Michael Pittman Jr., and that was encouraging for a player who we need to see develop as a passer (involving your top target is a good place to start).
Still, questions will continue to swirl about how Richardson is used. Only time will tell on that front, but this is a rough start to a career for a player who we thought had LeBron James potential to stay healthy by way of an overwhelming frame.
Richardson will remain on fantasy radars for as long as he is healthy, but the range of outcomes is not for the weak of heart.