Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is once again facing a familiar setback as his right shoulder pain resurfaced during recent activities, delaying his full return to practice. This recurring AC joint injury, which cost him 12 games during his rookie year, remained a concern throughout the offseason after being aggravated during OTAs. Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Richardson’s limited participation, emphasizing rest and rehabilitation over any established timetable. Despite the uncertainty, Richardson downplayed the injury’s severity, stating,
“not really even a bump in the road. I feel like I tripped, I fell. Just got back up and hit the ground running again.”
Yet the Colts have withheld full commitment to his readiness, pending further updates.
Training Camp Brings Encouraging Signs for Richardson
Reports from ESPN Colts insider Stephen Holder, however, have shed more optimistic light on Richardson’s condition, signaling his shoulder is shaping up well for the upcoming training camp. Holder revealed on ESPN NFL Live,
The good news here, Anthony Richardson’s shoulder, everything I’ve heard indicates that’s gonna be good going into training camp.
This development intensifies the quarterback competition, placing pressure on veteran Daniel Jones to dispel doubts about his durability and consistency. Holder commented,
I’ve seen video of him throwing the football. He looks strong there, but he has to, I think, overcome the concept and the narrative that he is consistently hurt,
highlighting the high stakes ahead as both quarterbacks prepare for a true contest for Indianapolis’s starting role.
The Rising Stakes in the Colts’ Quarterback Showdown
With Richardson’s status seemingly improving, the theoretical quarterback battle has transformed into an active and pressing competition. Daniel Jones had been the clear frontrunner during Richardson’s injury hiatus, earning the majority of first-team reps throughout June and demonstrating poise and rhythm on the field. Still, his advantage came with a caveat: the other contender was sidelined. As training camp opens at Grand Park on July 22, both quarterbacks will be given equal opportunity to prove themselves, mirroring the previous season’s approach with Gardner Minshew and Richardson. The Colts plan to split reps situationally—red zone drills one day, two-minute offense the next—making every moment vital in this tightly contested effort.
Challenges and History Define Richardson’s Path Forward
Richardson’s journey has been marred by a series of injuries: not only the recurring AC joint but also a concussion, back spasms, and oblique strains. Despite flashes of talent, his on-field stats remain underwhelming—last season’s eight touchdowns contrasted with 12 interceptions and a troubling 47.7% completion rate. His repeated absences have left fans and team officials uncertain if this will mark a turning point or another stalled progression. The dynamic now shifts in Indianapolis with both quarterbacks figuratively stepping into the ring, heightening tension around who can handle the physical and mental demands of the starting position.
Colts Leadership Emphasizes the Importance of Competition
General Manager Chris Ballard has acknowledged the deliberate nature of this quarterback contest from the outset. Ballard noted early this year,
We’ve got to have competition at the position,
and emphasized,
For one, for the fact that competition makes everybody better. And then two, he’s [Richardson] not proven he can play 17 games.
This mindset underlines that Richardson was never handed the starting job outright, nor was Daniel Jones brought in simply for backup duties. Instead, both players face a merit-based evaluation rooted in consistency and performance rather than contracts or reputations.
Daniel Jones: Reliability Versus Risky Potential
Jones’s career has been a mix of inconsistency and resilience. While he has faced setbacks, including being benched in New York and experiencing injuries that disrupted his play, Jones’s ability to stay on the field and direct an offense has stood as his primary asset. As Colts training camp unfolds, Jones must demonstrate more than just competence; he has to sustain it across multiple days, weathering the intensity of live drills designed to mimic game pressure. Coach Steichen underscored this critical element, stating,
It’s really going to come down to who’s the most consistent.
This challenge elevates stakes for both Jones and Richardson as they vie to solidify the quarterback slot.
July 22 Marks the Start of an Intensifying QB Race
When training camp kicks off, the focus will shift from offhand impressions and highlight reels to tangible, day-to-day performance. Both quarterbacks will have the chance to showcase their capacity to lead an NFL offense under pressure while withstanding physical punishment. As the season opener looms on September 7 against the Miami Dolphins, only one quarterback’s name will occupy the Colts’ starting depth chart. The other will be left to either wait on the sidelines or recover once again, prolonging the uncertainty that has dogged this team’s quarterback situation for two years.
The Colts’ Future Hinges on a Hard-Fought QB Battle
The resolution of the Anthony Richardson Colts QB battle carries significance beyond just the roster slot—it could determine the trajectory of the Colts’ offense and consistency at a critical position. Richardson’s athletic upside remains tantalizing, but his ongoing injury concerns and uneven production temper expectations. Conversely, Jones offers a steadier, more proven option, though questions about his health and ceiling persist. As the Colts navigate this tension, the forthcoming training camp will demand relentless focus and resilience from both quarterbacks, setting the stage for a contest as much about endurance as talent.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Anthony Richardson today?
A. Quarterbacks C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson from the Florida Gators, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson from UCLA demonstrate their speed by throwing between 59 and 62 miles per hour.
Q. What did Anthony Richardson get surgery on?
A. Richardson’s first year in the league was halted after only 162 snaps in four games. In October, he ended his season early to have shoulder surgery due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing arm.
Q. Can I drop Anthony Richardson?
A. In most standard one-quarterback leagues, it’s wise to let Richardson go. The Colts’ player faced major difficulties throwing this season, especially in Week 7 against the Dolphins. During that game, he only completed 41.7% of his passes, totaling 129 yards without any touchdowns.
Q. What did Anthony Richardson have surgery on?
A. Neal ElAttrache is a well-known orthopedic surgeon who operated on Richardson’s sprained AC joint in 2023. Richardson, who was a rookie at the time, decided to have the surgery to avoid future shoulder problems.