Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II (10) Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Colts QB Gardner Minshew throws 59-yard TD against Browns

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 22, 2023 1:49 PM ET

Even though Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, Gardner Minshew keeps proving he can help Indianapolis stay afloat.

In the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns, Minshew threw a 59-yard TD to WR Josh Downs and rushed for a 17-yard TD. It's a great sign for the Colts because Minshew is excelling against a Cleveland defense that is fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game at 15.4.

59 yard stroll for @JoshDowns.

CBS

pic.twitter.com/k07B7aSB5F
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 22, 2023

Gardner Minshew just shook out everyone in Lucas Oil Stadium.

CBS pic.twitter.com/P17wSrcJjN
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 22, 2023

Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, had season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday. It's a tough blow for Indianapolis, but Minshew is a capable backup QB who can help the team win games.

Entering Week 7, the fifth-year signal-caller has completed 90-of-138 passes for 882 yards and is posting an above-average 54.2 QBR. The Colts (3-3) need his steady play to continue so they can stay in the playoff hunt.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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