The Indianapolis Colts will be without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson for the remainder of the 2023 season, but there’s a chance we see him back on the field for spring work.
Though head coach Shane Steichen declined to put a timeline on Richardson’s return to action, he did mention there is some optimism about the electric quarterback’s chances to be on the field for the offseason workouts.
“I’m not going to put a timetable on it, but I think he’s got a good chance, yes,” Steichen told reporters Wednesday.
Richardson and the Colts elected to undergo surgery on his throwing shoulder to repair a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, an injury he suffered during the Week 5 win over the Tennessee Titans.
The No. 4 overall pick missed time due to injury in all but one game this season, though he would have returned to the game in Week 1 had the score been closer. Still, between the concussion and shoulder injury, Richardson’s electric play will get overshadowed a bit by the injuries he sustained.
Whether the Colts will need to alter his style of play when it comes to designed runs, Steichen said that’s a discussion for a later date.
“We’ll cross that bridge next year when we get there. But again, one of the things that makes him really good is a runner,” Steichen said. “A lot of those guys around the league that run and make plays – that’s what helps your offense. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Richardson showed plenty of promise when he was on the field. He completed 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and an 87.3 passer rating.
As for how the remainder of his rookie season will go, Richardson will use the time to continue growing his knowledge of the offense.
“This will be a great learning experience for him moving forward. He will be engaged. He will be in the meetings, he will be at practice and he’ll learn this year. Sitting back and watching and learning. In the long run I think with anything – I said this a couple weeks ago – when you go through tough times it will make you stronger,” Steichen said. “This is a tough time for any player. Obviously, your rookie year, you want to be out there with your teammates. I know he is crushed about it too, but I think it will help him, make him stronger in the long run.”
We won’t know how Richardson is progressing until 2024 arrives, but there does seem to be optimism that he participates in the spring workouts.
