Often times you are reminded how quickly things can change in the NFL. “Next man up” is more than just a saying; it is a way of life for organizations, and with Anthony Richardson battling a concussion, it looks like Gardner Minshew is in line to get the start for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Richardson has started the first two games of the season, and despite showing some positive signs in limited action, the head injury he took during the second game looks to be preventing him from making his third career start on Sunday.
With Richardson out, it will be Minshew manning the huddle. Let’s take a closer look at Minshew ahead of his first start of the season.
Gardner Minshew Career Overview
Minshew is a fifth-year quarterback in his first season with the Colts after spending his previous two years backing up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia with the Eagles. Minshew started his career in Jacksonville with the Jaguars, where he was selected out of Washington State University at pick No. 178 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Minshew spent two seasons with the Jaguars, making 20 starts and playing in 23 games. He has started 24 total games in his career, with an overall record of 8-16.
MORE: Tracking Every Week 3 NFL Injury
Minshew has a career completion rate of 63.2% to go with 45 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions.
The sentiment around the league is that Minshew is not a bad quarterback. Many feel that he is more than an adequate backup QB in the NFL, with some believing he could even compete for a starting job in some situations.
Minshew Helps Colts Win Now
There is no confusion about who the quarterback of the future is in Indianapolis. This is Richardson’s team, but in the meantime, the Colts have a more than capable backup under center until Richardson is healthy enough to be reinserted into the lineup.
Despite Minshew not having a fair shot of earning the starting position for the Colts, he is the more polished and “win-now” ready quarterback who may be able to keep their season on track during this opportunity.
Minshew Can Help Himself Out on Sunday
While Minshew is surely grateful to be on an NFL roster, the competitor in him must be eager for the opportunity to prove that he deserves to do much more than backing up a quarterback and holding a clipboard on Sundays.
Minshew is getting a rare opportunity to showcase his abilities with a chance to have a team buy-in on him as a potential starter down the line or at least compete honestly for the position.
There seems to be a lot more on the line than just a Week 3 regular-season win for Minshew on Sunday.
