Indianapolis Colts handed major blow as owner provides worrying injury update

17 October 2023 , 11:16

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Anthony Richardson's impressive rookie season looks to be over

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has revealed that Anthony Richardson is likely to have season-ending surgery.

The talented rookie quarterback sustained a shoulder injury in the Colts' last win, over the Tennessee Titans with Richardson leaving the field in the second quarter.

It was suspected at the time that the 21-year-old had sustained a shoulder injury, which was not initially seen as overly serious. However, the news over the recent days are that Richardson's injury looks to be one that could linger - with him needing surgery that will likely rule him out for the season.

Irsay said: "The most likelihood is he's probably going to be gone for the year. I mean, it's not definite but [he] probably misses this year and we're going to have to contend with that factor."

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Richardson's shoulder injury was ruled a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, with the team hoping him to go on Injury Reserve, which would rule him out for at least four weeks as he recovered. But instead, he has been told that the best cause of action is to have surgery, with a view for him to return next season back to full health.

Head coach Shane Steichen said: "We are working through the process. We want to do what's best for him and this organization, you know, moving forward. As we said, we'll make the decision when the time's right, and we're still evaluating that process.

It would be a huge blow for the Colts, who have seen Richardson make a solid start to his career in the NFL, after being picked with the fourth overall selection. Richardson came into his rookie season off the back of extremely limited experience, starting just 13 games in college in what was a rocky final year with Florida.

Anthony Richardson with his arm in a sling after his injury

An explosive athlete with a huge arm, Richardson has scored four rushing touchdowns and thrown for three, while only having one turnover. The team will now turn to Gardner Minshew, who has struggled in relief of the impressive rookie, with the Colts potentially set to struggle for the rest of the year.

That might not be the worst thing for the team though, with them unlikely to make a playoff push this season, the Colts front office might be eyeing the loaded 2024 NFL Draft class, featuring generational prospects at wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle and pass rush.

Charlie Wilson