Indianapolis Colts fans have been waiting anxiously for clarity regarding quarterback Anthony Richardson’s status heading into training camp. After missing minicamp due to a shoulder injury, questions swirled around the signal-caller’s readiness. Now, Richardson has finally broken his silence with an optimistic personal update, but does that mean the job is secure?
Richardson Sounds Off on Shoulder Recovery as Colts Face Key Decision
Richardson missed organized team activities and the Colts’ mandatory minicamp due to soreness in his throwing shoulder, the same one he injured during his rookie season. The quarterback had surgery on his right AC joint in 2023 and later visited Los Angeles to meet Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the same doctor who carried out the initial operation. The recommendation was straightforward: rest.
Though the team remained cautious in public updates, head coach Shane͏ Steich͏e͏n offered little detail earlier in June, declining to set a timeline for Richar͏ds͏on’͏s return. That vagueness raised eyebrows, especially with a new quarterback, Danie͏l Jones, joining the Colts through free agency.
Former #Gators QB Anthony Richardson told me he will be ready for #Colts training camp after missing minicamp with a throwing shoulder injury.
“I’m all good … not really even a bump in the road. I feel like I tripped, I fell. Just got back up and hit the ground running again.”
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) June 22, 2025
In the midst of growing speculation, Richardson offered a direct and confident response during his appearance at community events in Gainesville, Florida. He told Zach Goodall of 247 Sports, “I’m all good… not really even a bump in the road. I feel like I tripped, I fell. Just got back up and hit the ground running again.”
Richardson’s statement marks the first public reassurance that his recovery is on track ahead of the Colts’ report date of Tuesday, July 22. While Steichen’s earlier decision to withhold a return timetable left Richardson’s status in question, the team likely erred on the side of caution. Preserving the young quarterback’s health during a non-essential part of the offseason makes sense, particularly for someone with recent surgical history.
Yet, the delay in his return comes at a price. With Jones now in the mix, the competition for the starting role is real. Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, must prove not just that he’s healthy but also that he’s the best choice to lead the offense. Each missed rep in the offseason could shift the balance, giving Jones a leg up as camp nears.
Despite that, Richardson’s positive tone is noteworthy. He’s not downplaying the situation, but rather reframing it. In his words, he “just got back up and hit the ground running again.” That mindset may be just as important as the physical recovery itself.
As July approaches, all eyes remain on Indianapolis. The quarterback room is more competitive than ever, and while Richardson says he’s ready, the coming weeks will determine whether optimism can translate into on-field command.
