Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is dealing with what he called “chronic” back problems.
As he continues to work through his injury, what is the latest update, and will he be available for the Colts’ Week 18 season closer?
Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson Ruled Out for Sunday
Indianapolis Colts signal-caller Anthony Richardson said on Thursday that the back ailment that kept him out of the game in Week 17 against the New York Giants is more serious than originally reported.
This could be a problem he will have to deal with for the balance of his career.
“Last week was tough and I couldn’t even stand up on Tuesday, could barely even walk, crawling around the house,” Richardson said. “But I’m here, I’m standing now. If I can do anything in my power to get on the field, I’m going to do so.”
While it is a disc issue, surgery might not be required. It just might be a problem he will have to deal with. There are non-surgical remedies available. “It’s a disc thing that’s been there for a while,” Richardson said. “I guess it got triggered the wrong way last week and did what it did.”
Richardson admitted it has been a chronic issue since he injured himself in the eighth grade. “It might be chronic, but there’s plenty of ways to prevent it going on in the future,” he continued. “Now that I know what it is, I can find certain ways to stay out of certain positions and just make sure I’m healthy, 100%.”
“We’re hopeful,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said to a group of reporters after practice on Wednesday. “I mean, he’s working through his rehab and treatment right now – working through that right now. So, we’ll see how the week progresses with that.”
However, the Colts have already been eliminated from playoff contention and as Richardson works through his ailment, he will remain sidelined in what is essentially a meaningless game for Indianapolis.
Richardson ends his season with 1,814 yards passing with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He missed three games due to hip and back injuries and was benched for two games after poor performances.
He will end his season with a grade of 60.2 (D-), 40th of 43 qualified QBs according to PFN’s QB+ metric; comparatively, Joe Flacco, who will again start in Richardson’s place, has a grade of 74.6 (C, 21st) through Week 17.
Richardson was the only player listed as not practicing in the team’s injury report on Wednesday, though it was only a walk-through, but he is the lone player listed out for the season finale.