On August 8, after the Colts' preseason opener, head coach Shane Steichen provided an optimistic outlook regarding quarterback Anthony Richardson's injury. Despite initially downplaying the injury, reports from Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz indicate that Richardson's X-rays returned clean. This news suggests that the young passer is expected to return to practice shortly, allowing him to remain a key contender in the Colts' quarterback competition.
On August 7, the Colts' quarterback competition faced a significant challenge when Richardson exited the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a finger injury. He suffered a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand, as confirmed by Steichen to Colts sideline reporter Larra Overton, according to the Indianapolis Star's Joel Erickson. While no specific timetable has been provided for Richardson's return, the incident has raised concerns about his participation in the upcoming preseason games.
This preseason game was crucial for Richardson, who was given the starting nod over veteran Daniel Jones in the ongoing QB race. Richardson was slated to play approximately one and a half quarters, providing him an opportunity to solidify his position. However, the injury limited his playtime significantly and may prevent him from participating in the Colts' second preseason matchup, thereby impacting his chances of becoming the starting quarterback.
The injury occurred during a sack by David Ojabo on the Colts' second possession, a moment that has now altered the dynamics of the quarterback competition. Jones, who recently joined the Colts with aspirations of a starting role, may find his path to the Week 1 starting position clearer if Richardson's absence extends. Richardson's history of injuries adds another layer of complexity to this situation, as he missed 13 games last season due to a shoulder injury and faced multiple setbacks throughout 2024.
Last season, Richardson struggled with accuracy issues, completing only 47.7% of his passes, which prompted the Colts to acquire Jones as a high-profile insurance option. Richardson’s limited experience, having started just one season in college, has raised concerns about his readiness for the NFL. Despite early signs of improvement during training camp, Richardson's continued injury woes could lead to Jones winning the starting position by default.
Both quarterbacks have faced their share of injury challenges. Jones himself has a history of significant injuries, including neck issues and a 2022 ACL tear, which have affected his availability. Should Richardson remain sidelined during the Colts' second preseason game, the opportunity for Jones to secure the starting role will only increase. However, the competition could extend into the regular season, as both quarterbacks work to prove their worth amidst a backdrop of unremarkable performances in the NFL.
As the situation develops, Colts fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring both Richardson's recovery and Jones' performance in the coming weeks.
