Anthony Richardson appeared well on his way to an outstanding performance in Week 2 before a concussion forced him to depart prematurely. After failing to suit up this past Sunday, does the Indianapolis Colts QB have a chance to play in Week 4? Here’s what head coach Shane Steichen said about Richardson’s injury on Wednesday.
Anthony Richardson Injury Update
Following a Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Richardson had already completed six of 10 passes for 56 yards while adding 35 yards and two touchdowns on the ground against the Houston Texans in Week 2.
Richardson banged his head on the turf after scoring his second rushing touchdown. He was taken to the Colts’ locker room near the beginning of the second quarter and eventually ruled out with a concussion.
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft, couldn’t play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Yet, Gardner Minshew and the Indianapolis defense managed to defeat the Ravens in a 22-19 overtime victory.
Richardson is trending toward playing against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Steichen said Wednesday that although Richardson has not yet cleared the NFL‘s concussion protocol, he was able to return to practice today.
Not only that, but Richardson will take all his typical first-team reps in practice. That’s a clear sign that the rookie signal-caller should be available for Sunday’s game.
Anthony Richardson and Ryan Kelly are still in the concussion protocol but will practice today, per Shane Steichen.
Richardson will take all his normal reps.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) September 27, 2023
Indy’s Wednesday injury report officially listed Richardson as a full practice participant.
Richardson should return alongside his starting center. Ryan Kelly also missed the Colts’ Week 3 contest with a concussion. Like Richardson, he hasn’t yet exited the concussion protocol and has been cleared to practice on Wednesday.
Backup Indianapolis center Wesley French gave up four pressures on 49 pass-blocking snaps against Baltimore. Kelly will return just in time to face future Hall of Fame Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald in Week 4.
Fantasy Fallout From Richardson’s Injury
Anthony Richardson missed last week’s action with a concussion, but all signs are now pointing to him being back for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. If that’s the case, Richardson belongs in your starting fantasy football lineups due to his rushing upside.
The rookie QB has quickly proven that the NFL isn’t too big of a stage for him and that he can be relied on week in and week out to produce from a fantasy standpoint. Assuming he’s out there with no limitations, Richardson will be a top-10 QB in my fantasy rankings this week.
— PFN Fantasy Director Kyle Yates