Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew is set to start Sunday against his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s the second time this season that Minshew steps in as Indianapolis’ starter for an injured Anthony Richardson. What happened to the rookie quarterback this time, and how long could he miss?
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How Did Anthony Richardson Get Injured?
Richardson went down with a right shoulder injury that was later described as a grade 3 AC joint sprain during the Colts’ 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans last week.
He finished the game 9 of 12 passing for 98 yards alongside two carries for five yards.
#Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson was injured on this play.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 8, 2023
Richardson’s initial expected timeline for a return was 4-6 weeks, but ESPN has since reported that he could miss up to eight weeks with the injury after being placed on injured reserve (IR).
He could even miss the rest of 2023 as season-ending surgery is reportedly being strongly considered, according to the NFL’s Ian Rapoport.
The rookie quarterback previously missed the Colts’ Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a concussion during their Week 2 win over the Houston Texans.
Gardner Minshew’s Shot at Revenge
Minshew is in line to start for Indianapolis Sunday against the Jaguars, the franchise where he began his NFL career. He was officially confirmed as the Colts’ Week 6 starter on Monday.
The fifth-year signal-caller made his first appearance against the Jaguars earlier this season, going 0 of 2 in a brief stint late in the loss.
MORE: Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart 2023
Now, Minshew is set to make his first appearance in Jacksonville since being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, then signing with the Colts this offseason.
Minshew has stepped up nicely in Richardson’s stead so far this year.
The veteran finished off the 31-20 win over the Texans in Week 2 after Richardson went down with a concussion, going 19 of 23 for 171 yards and one touchdown. He then started in Week 3 and went 27 of 44 for 227 yards and one score in a 22-19 overtime win over Baltimore.
Minshew was strong again in relief of Richardson after his shoulder injury last week, going 11 of 14 for 155 yards to finish off a 23-16 win over the Titans.
Indianapolis will look to make it four straight wins in games Minshew has played in and avenge their earlier loss to Jacksonville in Sunday’s AFC South showdown.
