Jim Irsay says Colts QB Anthony Richardson 'probably' done for the season
Anthony Richardson's season is likely over.
That's according to Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Irsay, who provided an update on the rookie quarterback's health Monday while speaking with ESPN.
"The most likelihood is he's probably going to be gone for the year," Irsay said. "I mean, it's not definite, but [he] probably misses this year, and we're going to have to contend with that factor."
Richardson sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans and has been sidelined since then. He sustained the injury on a tackle by linebacker Harold Landry III that drove his right shoulder into the turf.
Here's a clip of the Anthony Richardson injury#TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZhPnbM4drE
— crunchypuddle (@crunchypuddle1) October 8, 2023
Gardner Minshew has played quarterback for the Colts since, including in Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Irsay told ESPN that the Colts have sought the opinions of various medical experts in the eight days since the injury. There has been no decision on whether Richardson will undergo surgery or attempt to repair the injury via rehabilitation, but Irsay said surgery is the more likely option.
"There's debate going, but it's probably going to lead toward surgery in the next week or so," Irsay said. "We're just trying to figure out exactly how and when and what we want to do and what Anthony wants to do."
Irsay told ESPN that the decision on how to proceed will ultimately be Richardson's.
The news is a tough blow for the Colts and Richardson, who was off to a promising start in the NFL after being selected out of Florida with the No. 4 pick in April's draft. A tremendous athlete and dual threat as a runner and passer, Richardson tallied three passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns in four starts through five weeks. The Colts are 2-2 in games Richardson has started.
His physical playing style has left him vulnerable to injury, including the shoulder sprain that threatens to end his season. His Week 5 injury was his third in four starts. He finished his NFL debut on the sideline after blows to his ankle and his knee. A concussion sustained in Week 2 sidelined him for Week 3.
The Colts are 3-3 and a game behind the first-place Jaguars in the AFC South.
