Colts Place Anthony Richardson on IR With Shoulder Injury

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a shoulder injury in their game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The injury is said to be an AC joint injury in his right shoulder and was initially said to sideline him for a couple of weeks. On Wednesday, Richardson was placed on the injured reserve, putting him out for the next four to eight weeks.

Colts place QB Anthony Richardson on IR, will be out for next four games. pic.twitter.com/SeGnFimqP6

— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2023

Early Injury Bug

This is Richardson’s second injury through five weeks of the NFL season, putting concerns for his future ability to stay on the field. Richardson suffered a concussion in Week 2 against the Houston Texans forcing him to miss their Week 3 matchup.

Richardson has only been able to play about three of the five games this season. This inability to stay on a field could prove harmful to his career if it continues. Richardson has looked like a future star not only with his renown rushing ability, but with his passing as well. With his high volume of runs however, it will be crucial for the Colts to teach him to defend himself for his success.

Colts Anthony Richardson:
*1st rookie in NFL history with 4 rushing TDs in 1st 3 games.
*1st Colt QB with rushing TD in 3 straight games.

And there's this. Colts record/rookie record for QB rushing TDs in a season: 5 (Andrew Luck in 2012).
Again, Richardson with 4 after wk 4

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) October 2, 2023

The Colts Moving Forward

Gardner Minshew will start at quarterback for the Colts in the four to eight weeks that Richardson is expected to be out. So far this season, Minshew has already played in place of Richardson a decent amount.

Minshew has thrown for 553 yards and two touchdowns this season, leading the Colts to a win against the Baltimore Ravens. Minshew also came in for wins against the Titans and Texans. As far as backup quarterbacks go, Minshew seems to be in the upper echelon and has the ability to lead a team.

Gardner Minshew’s stats this season…

• 3-0 record
• 68.7 completion %
• 553 passing yards
• 2 TDs – 0 INTs
• 95.1 passer rating pic.twitter.com/6uGNbrL5IH

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) October 9, 2023

Star running back Jonathan Taylor has also agreed to a contract extension after a dispute in the offseason. With Taylor on the field, the Colts should have a dynamic run game spearheaded by the former All-Pro running back.

Indianapolis has an upcoming schedule including poor performing teams in the Panthers and Patriots. This could allow Minshew to keep the Colts on track for the playoffs.

They’ll play Minshew’s former team in the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at 1:00 p.m.