The Indianapolis Colts have managed to claim second place, notching a 3-3 record with rookie Anthony Richardson spending most of the time at the quarterback controls. But now, the prized draft pick is unfortunately heading toward settling for just four games in his NFL debut.
Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed to ESPN Colts insider Stephen Holder that Richardson is “probably” done for the year, which includes the possibility of undergoing shoulder surgery. And Richardson’s remaining 2023 status sparked some strong reactions online.
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Fans Sound Off on Anthony Richardson Update, ‘Brutal News’
Richardson’s last NFL appearance was versus the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 8. The injury occurred on this collision:
#Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson was injured on this play.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 8, 2023
The reactions sprouted immediately when word got out of the former Florida Gators dual-threat likely having his season over.
“Anthony Richardson is tied with Josh Allen for the most QB fantasy points per snap. Brutal news,” said Underdog Fantasy analyst Hayden Winks on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One Colts fan had an even more lamenting post on X.
“Anthony Richardson being out hurts so much. He was so electric when he played,” the fan said.
FOX Sports AFC South reporter Ben Arthur called the news “unfortunate” but shared the top priority for the Colts and the rookie moving forward.
“Unfortunate, but this is where things were headed for the Colts and Anthony Richardson. Long-term health is priority No. 1,” Arthur posted.
One more Underdog Fantasy analyst Josh Norris was another who posted a strong reaction — his thoughts ended with one prediction for Richardson.
“No doubt in my mind Anthony Richardson has special talent. He’s not raw, just inexperienced. And we saw that play out in limited action this season — improving on mistakes, and quickly. With jaw-dropping moments sprinkled in,” Norris said before ending with this prediction: “Big things ahead.”
Lastly, Colts Wire on USA Today analyst Cody Manning believed that Richardson missing some anticipated time will become a “killer” for him moving forward in ’23.
MORE: Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart
“Looks like Anthony Richardson’s rookie season is over before it really got started. Flashed some great things, but the reps that he will miss are a killer. Hopefully, he can get his body right for a healthy Year 2 for the Colts,” Manning shared.
Richardson’s Rookie Season by the Numbers
With Richardson potentially heading to injured reserve, his season ends with just four starts. He ends up with an even 2-2 overall record.
In his truncated NFL debut, here were some of the key moments from his NFL debut:
- In his regular-season debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Richardson completed 24 passes out of 37 attempts and ended with 223 yards, one touchdown pass, one interception, but took four sacks in the 31-21 loss to the Jags.
- While only settling for 10 passing attempts the following week, Richardson hit six completions for 56 yards but impressed more as a runner — gaining 35 yards on three keeper runs while averaging 11.7 yards per carry. His two touchdowns helped lift the Colts to the 31-20 win over the Houston Texans.
- Against the Los Angeles Rams, Richardson showed he can help rally the Colts back from a massive deficit. He helped erase a 23-0 Rams lead by leading the next three touchdowns (two via pass) before falling 29-23. Richardson combined for 256 yards, including 56 rushing.
Richardson is the only QB from the 2023 NFL Draft class to go down with an injury. Veteran Gardner Minshew will handle the reins for the rest of the season in Indy.