Colts QB Anthony Richardson suffers injury to throwing shoulder

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson‘s rookie season continues its shaky progression. The rocky start isn’t necessarily reflective of his performance on the field, but it’s more reflective of his inability to stay on the field. In today’s win over the division-rival Titans, Richardson was forced to leave a game for the second time in the first five weeks of his rookie year, this time due to an injury to his throwing shoulder. 

After losing in his NFL debut, Richardson was forced to exit the second game of his career due to a concussion. He remained in concussion protocols going into a Week 3 matchup with the Ravens, so Indianapolis was forced to rely on Gardner Minshew.

Today, Richardson was forced to leave the game late in the second quarter after suffering a shoulder injury on a rush he kept for himself. Once again, Minshew was able to come into the game in relief of Richardson and help lead the team to victory.

Despite the fact that the Colts have won every game Minshew has played meaningful snaps in, the team renewed their confidence that Richardson was their quarterback moving forward. That likely remains the stance in Indy, as they appreciate the play they get from Richardson, but if the rookie continues to miss time this season, they’ll be thankful to have one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks in their clubhouse.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the initial diagnosis of Richardson’s newest injury is an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. He was in a lot of pain after sustaining the injury, and one has to imagine that pain will keep him from being able to perform as a starting passer if the injury is persistent. X-rays taken in the locker room were negative for any breaks or fractures in his shoulder.

In order to determine the severity and exact diagnosis of his shoulder sprain, Richardson went directly to the hospital to get an MRI on the area of injury, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The results of the scan are expected to be made public later tonight, revealing just what the situation will be for the Colts at quarterback in the near future. If Richardson is forced to miss more time, Minshew will continue to play in his place.