Will the Indianapolis Colts officially have to wait until 2024 to see further development of their rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson?
Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed the next steps involving the injured passer on Wednesday morning, including if Richardson will be seen again in the 2023 NFL season.
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Anthony Richardson Will Undergo Surgery
Richardson has been dealing with what was revealed to be a Grade 3 AC sprain on his throwing shoulder, per the Indianapolis Star.
Irsay posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Richardson was given consultation about surgery for his injury and will proceed to move forward.
“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 posted.
“Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our team. We collected several medical opinions and we felt this was the best course of action for his long-term health.”
Irsay is a believer that Richardson will be stronger after recovery.
“We anticipate a full recovery and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future,” Irsay shared. “In the meantime, I love the fight of this team and I’m excited for the opportunity we have ahead of us. It starts this week with Cleveland.”
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. Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our…
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 18, 2023
Richardson ends his first season going 2-2 as a starter. He completed 50 passes out of 84 attempts for 577 yards and tossed three touchdowns with one interception. He also added 25 carries for 136 rushing yards and four more scores to showcase his mobility.
Who do the Colts Turn to Now in Richardson’s Absence?
Indianapolis is down to two quarterbacks post-Richardson. The benefit for them is that both — Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger — are veterans already familiar with stepping in for an injured teammate.
Minshew handled the quarterback reins this past Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and went 33 of 55 for 329 yards and threw one touchdown but tossed three interceptions in the 37-20 loss.
MORE: Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart 2023
Minshew is currently on his third NFL franchise, having previously played for the Jags and, for his last two seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ehlinger, 25, is no stranger to starting for the Colts. He’s done it three times — all in 2022. For his career, Ehlinger has gone 64 of 101 passing with 573 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He is 0-3 as a starting quarterback.
The Colts do have a third option available if needed. Kellen Mond is on the team’s practice squad after being signed there on Oct. 10.