Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faced a major setback during the team’s recent offseason activities, as shoulder soreness forced him to halt participation shortly after the start of OTAs. The issue involves the same shoulder that required surgery during Richardson’s rookie year, leading the Colts to send him to Dr. Neal ElAttrache—the surgeon who performed the original procedure—for further evaluation. This early shutdown in May raised alarm bells about Richardson’s availability for the 2025 season. Colts head coach Shane Steichen described the situation as “status quo,” but sidelining your starting quarterback this early in the offseason inevitably sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.
While Richardson’s camp remains optimistic, assuring that the third-year quarterback will be “1000% ready for training camp,” others are more skeptical. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated expressed unease over the recurring shoulder pain and the undefined timeline for potential surgery. With these uncertainties looming, the Colts confront a shaky future at the most crucial position on their roster.
Experts Question the Likelihood of Richardson’s Return in 2025
Veteran sports analyst Adam Schefter weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s recovery during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. When asked about the latest status of the quarterback, Schefter painted a bleak picture. Highlighting Richardson’s injury history and the decision to shut him down before training camp, he indicated that the Colts face a problematic situation ahead of the upcoming season. Schefter underscored that Richardson has played only 15 games over two years due to ongoing shoulder concerns, making his availability in doubt.
“I think when you consider his injury history and consider the fact that his shoulder had surgery, his rookie year, and now it’s an issue where they’re shutting him down until at least the start of training camp, I think it’s problematic,”
—Adam Schefter, Sports Analyst
Further complicating matters, Richardson was confirmed to miss the mandatory minicamp. Despite Richardson’s camp pushing back against doubts—asserting their quarterback could be ready to start Week 1—Schefter expressed skepticism:
“They keep saying, ‘No, that’s not true. That’s not right.’”
He noted ongoing conflicting reports about the shoulder’s condition, potential hardware issues, and the timeline for his return to throwing.
“I’ll just say that there’s a lot of smoke flying around there about the condition of his shoulder, about screws in his shoulder, about the soreness in his shoulder, about how long it might last, about when he might throw again,”
—Adam Schefter, Sports Analyst
“And every time I go to somebody that would be in a position to know, they say, ‘No, he’s fine. He should be ready for training camp.’”
—Adam Schefter, Sports Analyst
Despite reassurances, the repeated delays and mixed signals leave Richardson’s readiness an open question, casting a shadow over the Colts’ quarterback situation.
Daniel Jones Emerges as a Likely Starter Amid Richardson’s Uncertainty
The mounting doubts about Richardson’s shoulder have shifted the spotlight onto Daniel Jones, who joined the Colts on a one-year, $14 million contract. His arrival was seen by many as a contingency plan, preparing the team for a scenario where Richardson could not take the field. Adam Schefter pointed out that there is
“a reason that Daniel Jones picked Indianapolis”
and that the Colts’ investment in Jones reflects a plan to rely on him if necessary.
“I think there’s a reason that Daniel Jones picked Indianapolis..I think the Colts knew at some point that they were gonna have to rely on Daniel Jones..There’s a lot of smoke flying around about the shoulder of Anthony Richardson,”
—Adam Schefter, Sports Analyst
The Colts’ strategy appears clear: build depth behind the quarterback position with Jones, who brings experience after six seasons with the New York Giants and a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Although Jones’s record of 24-44-1 reflects ups and downs, he is eager for a fresh start and the chance to rehabilitate his career as Indianapolis’s potential starter.
With Richardson sidelined during OTAs and minicamp, all indications suggest Jones will have the inside track on the starting role for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. Indianapolis has yet to decide whether to pursue another backup or challenger for Jones, but the quarterback room is evolving quickly as Richardson’s status remains unclear.
What Does Richardson’s Injury Mean for the Colts’ Future?
Anthony Richardson’s ongoing shoulder issues have created a troubling situation that could alter the Colts’ plans well beyond 2025. The third-year quarterback’s limited playing time of 15 games over two seasons, punctuated by surgery and recurring soreness, raises questions about his long-term viability as the franchise’s leader.
Meanwhile, Daniel Jones represents a ready alternative with experience and the financial backing of the Colts’ front office. His presence indicates that the organization is preparing for the possibility that Richardson may not fully recover or regain his form in time. The Colts must navigate these challenges carefully, balancing hopes for Richardson’s comeback against the practical need for stability under center.
As the summer progresses and training camp approaches, Indianapolis’s quarterback situation will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL. Fans and analysts alike will look for updates on Richardson’s shoulder and final decisions about who will lead the Colts’ offense into the new season. The uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s health ensures that Daniel Jones is now positioned as the likely starter, marking a significant shift in the team’s trajectory moving forward.