Richardson’s Shoulder Injury Throws Colts’ ⁤QB Plans into Question

⁤ Updated June 05, 2025
⁢

Indianapolis Colts quarterback ⁤Anthony Richardson has aggravated his right shoulder joint, sidelining him indefinitely, according to⁢ coach Shane Steichen. the ⁢injury,⁤ a recurrence of the AC joint sprain that ended his rookie⁢ season prematurely, will keep ⁤Richardson out of offseason ⁢practices and next week’s mandatory minicamp.

Steichen declined to provide a timeline for Richardson’s return, including whether he’ll ⁢be ready for training camp, ⁤which starts July 22. Richardson reported soreness ⁢after ⁣a recent practice, leading to the examination that revealed the aggravation.

While this injury won’t require surgery, rest‍ is essential, Steichen‍ said. He⁢ added that Richardson will be eased back into throwing when he returns. This setback significantly impacts the Colts’ quarterback battle, as Daniel Jones now‍ has an possibility to gain ground.

Richardson, the No. 4 pick in‍ the ⁢2023 NFL draft, ⁤has ‍struggled with injuries, missing 17⁤ games in two seasons.The Colts ‍even benched him briefly ⁢last season in favor of veteran ‍Joe Flacco. The ⁢team’s decision to sign Jones to a $14 million contract reflects their ⁢concern about Richardson’s durability and‍ performance.

Before the injury, Steichen noted Richardson was making good progress. However, general manager Chris Ballard emphasized ⁢the need for⁤ competition at the quarterback position, citing Richardson’s inability to play a full⁤ season. Jones, formerly with the New York ‍Giants, aims to revive his career in Indianapolis.

“Daniel will get a lot of reps and then we’ll see how it plays out,” Steichen said.

In Richardson’s absence,sixth-round pick Riley leonard⁤ will serve as the No. 2 quarterback.The Colts⁢ do not plan to add⁣ another quarterback to the roster at this time, according to Steichen.

What’s next

The Colts will monitor Richardson’s recovery closely, hoping he can return to full ⁢strength ⁤before the start of the regular season.‍ Jones ⁣will have the chance to prove himself during training camp and preseason games, potentially reshaping the Colts’ quarterback plans for the upcoming year. The team’s⁤ approach to the quarterback position will be a key storyline as the season approaches.