THE INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson, a rookie quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, has elected to undergo season-ending surgery on his injured throwing shoulder after taking his final season play.
Coach Shane Steichen officially declared the decision before Wednesday’s practice.
According to Steichen, the team consulted with several medical experts and considered Richardson’s long-term health and future with the franchise before agreeing that surgery was the most prudent course of action.
Steichen stated, “I thought he was explosive and electric when he played.” “Every time he steps onto the field, he affords us an opportunity—just by his big-play prowess, downfield passing, and touchdown runs.” An immense opportunity awaits in the future.”
However, those excursions also increased his vulnerability to injury.
On October 8 against Tennessee, the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson incurred a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder after a brief run. He fell awkwardly, remained on the ground for several minutes while medical personnel attended, and then walked slowly to the team’s medical pavilion with his shoulder drooping.
Richardson was placed on injured reserve by Indianapolis last week as the inner debate regarding treatment persisted.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson Opts For Season-Ending Surgery On Injured Throwing Shoulder.
Richardson, who entered the concussion protocol in the first half of a Week 2 game at Houston, also missed six more quarters and sat out the final minute of the season opener with a bruised knee and swollen ankle. His completion rate was a mere one out of every start.
Sunday against Cleveland, veteran Gardner Minshew will make his third start with the Colts (3-3) after replacing Richardson all three times. Following a 37-20 loss at Jacksonville, in which he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, Minshew posted his poorest performance of the season.
Even though Steichen acknowledges a change in strategy, he anticipates Minshew to recoup this week. In Philadelphia, Steichen collaborated with Minshew during the previous two seasons.
“Garden’s presence obviously causes us to lose some items,” Steichen stated. “However, we remain extremely confident in Gardner’s capacity to perform at a high level.”
The more significant inquiry is how Richardson’s absence might affect his development.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson Opts For Season-Ending Surgery On Injured Throwing Shoulder
Due to his limited collegiate experience, some evaluators regarded him as more of a work in progress rather than a plug-and-play starter, having started only 13 games with the Florida Gators. Despite selecting Richardson with the fourth overall selection in the NFL draught in April, Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard expressed the importance of maximizing Richardson’s playing time this season.
Following the Colts’ preseason opener, Steichen named Richardson his starting quarterback and the rookie was off to a strong start.
With one interception and 577 yards passing, Richardson completed 59.5% of his passes. He also rushed 25 times for 136 yards and four touchdowns, setting a Super Bowl record as the first quarterback to record touchdown rushes in his first three NFL contests.
As he recovers from surgery, Richardson will be limited to observing, hearing, learning, and cheering on his teammates.
“Extremely formidable competitor and great player, but he must improve his longevity,” Steichen said. “Going forward, he will be involved, present at practises and meetings, and he will gain knowledge from this year; rather than passively observing it, he will absorb it.”
SOURCE – (AP)
