Cautious approach the right one for Colts with Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cautious approach the right one for Colts with QB Anthony Richardson

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/16/23

Anthony Richardson's 2023 season should be over.

On Monday, Colts owner Jim Irsay told ESPN reporter Stephen Holder that the rookie fourth overall pick is "likely" to miss the remainder of the season due to his shoulder injury sustained in Week 5. Sitting him might be the best thing for Richardson long-term.

Holder added that the team is consulting with multiple doctors and that an official ruling on his outlook for the rest of the season will be determined later.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson is “likely” to miss the rest of the season and undergo shoulder surgery, Colts owner Jim Irsay tells me.

But, to be clear, sources have insisted that active conversations with doctors across the country are ongoing: https://t.co/LwTDMgKl2P
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 17, 2023

Richardson suffered a knee injury and a concussion before his shoulder injury, a concerning trend for a player in his first NFL season.

The cruelest aspect of Richardson's injury is that he had a solid start to his NFL career, much more impressive than most anticipated.

After entering the league with questions about his accuracy, Richardson completed at least 60% of his attempts in three of his four starts, leading the Colts to a 2-2 record. He had seven total touchdowns, including four on 25 rush attempts.

He laid a solid foundation for his NFL future, and the team shouldn't do anything to limit his potential, which includes rushing him back from injury.

Head coach Shane Steichen will likely need time to adjust his offense so that Richardson isn't in harm's way as often, which might be easier to implement during the offseason instead of in the middle of the regular season.

Richardson's shoulder injury that has put his 2023 in jeopardy came on a designed run. While his running ability is a significant part of what makes him unique, Steichen might have to be more discerning when using him that way.

The Colts have an answer to their quarterback conundrum that's existed since Andrew Luck retired. The only reason Richardson won't represent the future in Indy is if the team mishandles him this season.

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