Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, drafted in April’s NFL Draft out of Florida and christened the starter by coach Shane Steichen, is done for the 2023 season.
Richardson was injured two weeks ago (Oct. 8, in a home game against Tennessee, on a tackle by linebacker Harold Landry) and will have surgery on an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, the right shoulder, that will finish him for this year.
Colts owner Robert Irsay confirmed the news on X, the former Twitter.
“After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season,” Irsay wrote. “We collected several medical opinions and we felt this was the best course of action for his long-term health. We anticipate a full recovery and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future.”
The Colts are a game out of first place in the AFC South Division, technically, but were swept this year by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Garner Minshew will take over as the Indianapolis starter for the remainder of the season. Minshew has completed 90-of-138 passes (65 percent) for 882 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Richardson finished having completed 50-of-84 passes for 577 yards and three touchdowns, and with 136 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.
Steichen is trying to look at the forced time off for Richardson as glass half-full.
“This will be a great learning experience for him moving forward,” the first-year head coach said. “He’ll be engaged, he’ll be in the meetings, he’ll be at practice, and he’ll learn this year sitting back and watching and learning … When you go through tough times, it’ll make you stronger and this is a tough time for any player. [It’s] your rookie year, you want to be out there with his teammates. I know he’s crushed about it, too. But I think it’ll help him make stronger.”
The Colts host 3-2 Cleveland, coming off an upset of the San Francisco 49ers, this Sunday, a noon Central-time start on CBS.
