Anthony Richardson made headlines again on Sunday. After clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol, the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback returned for the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Unfortunately for Richardson, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was forced to leave Sunday’s contest early due to a shoulder injury.
Richardson completed 9-of-12 passes (75 percent) for 98 yards before leaving Sunday’s game.
Richardson went to the Indianapolis sideline, favoring his right shoulder.
Gardner Minshew is on to replace him. Richardson is currently listed as "questionable" to return. pic.twitter.com/J1zrLKA54u
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 8, 2023
Richardson was again replaced by backup Gardner Minshew II, who did an admirable job of filling in for his injured counterpart in relief. Minshew helped lead the Colts to a 23-16 victory, as the team improved to 3-2 on the season and earned its first victory of 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
While there was a lot of excitement over Minshew helping the Colts stay tied for first place in the AFC South, there’s some concern about Richardson’s health.
Citing sources, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported early Monday morning that Richardson received an initial diagnosis of a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. That would mean he’d miss a month or more. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Richardson underwent an MRI on his shoulder this morning. The Colts are waiting for the results to confirm the initial diagnosis, and the team will subsequently brace for Richardson to is 4-to-6 weeks of time, at the very least.
The NFL world was quick to react to the Richardson injury update, as it looks like it’s Minshew time in Indy.
Anthony Richardson update –
Knew it seemed worse than Carr’s but underestimated.
Grade III AC sprain, explains why he was braced at his side with minimal movement.RTP: Wk10 would be 4 weeks missed, but could see ARich being out until after IND week 11 bye (6 weeks). Brutal. https://t.co/bRiM1VbfTU pic.twitter.com/ys04PuOYsJ
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 9, 2023
Grade 3 is the highest possible sprain for the AC joint. Brutal injury for Richardson as it looks like the rookie QB is going to miss quite a bit of time. Damn… https://t.co/HeC9ejpKcY
— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) October 9, 2023
Normal recovery time is anywhere from 6-12 weeks.
Colts bye week is week 11 so you’re probably looking at at week 12 return at the earliest for Richardson. https://t.co/KwPfB35HEC
— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) October 9, 2023
The good thing is that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of AR this season. #Fortheshoe https://t.co/tDxPPZ5Bue
— Ʊ Bring The Juice -Colts Ʊ (@BTJPod) October 9, 2023
Just brutal missed time for Richardson.
Colts next month: at Jags, Browns, Saints, at Panthers.
Patriots in Germany on Nov. 12th. Bye week after that. https://t.co/CEH8bgKUFz
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 9, 2023
