Anthony Richardson could get chance to save the Colts’ season after a massive update on his injury recovery
The Colts will have a big decision to make soon, as Anthony Richardson has been medically cleared to return to practice ahead of Week 16.
The Indianapolis Colts’ QB room has been hit hard by injuries this season. Starter Daniel Jones is on the IR with a torn right Achilles, and backup Anthony Richardson has been on the IR since Week 7 after a pre-game eye injury sustained in Week 6.
As a result, the Colts had to turn to a Hail Mary option in Week 15 by signing 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers out of retirement. The team came close to pulling off an upset but ultimately fell short. The apparent limitations of Rivers’ less-than-ideal arm strength and near-zero mobility hindered the offense, although he made enough plays to give them a puncher’s chance in the end.
Recent news that Richardson is approaching a return to practice, however, could solve many issues for the Colts. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that Richardson has been medically cleared to return to football activities after his orbital fracture injury. The Colts essentially have to win out to make the postseason, so this news couldn’t have come at a better time.
Anthony Richardson cleared by doctors to return to practice
The Colts drafted Richardson with the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has had some Superman-like plays in his three years, but he has also made mistakes that seem elementary on the surface. He has now had to sit and learn on the sideline, and he saw Jones and the Colts offense have some tremendous success to start the year.
He also now has a future Hall of Famer in the room (Rivers). Being able to pick Rivers’ brain and to add that element to his skill set could be invaluable. If Richardson can return to the starting role and save the Colts’ season, it could also save his spot with the team going forward. It would feel quite poetic, but the question is: should that be the Colts’ plan?
Should Anthony Richardson be named the starter?
His elite mobility unlocks tons of potential for Jonathan Taylor, as defenses have to respect Richardson as a runner. His ability to throw the deep ball also makes defenses respect 15+ yard plays on every drop-back. To put it simply, the defense has to work harder to prepare for a Richardson-led offense.
However, he has to be better than in the past. He must take what the defense gives him, and, more importantly, he has to be smart about protecting his body. There is a risk associated with Richardson, as there has always been. The Colts’ backs are officially against the wall, and they need to win out to put themselves in position to make the playoffs.
Words can’t describe how much that would mean to the locker room, the franchise, and the fan base. The risk is worth the reward, and the Colts may also gain insight into whether Richardson can be part of the team’s future.
Jones’ Achilles injury puts his status in doubt for 2026, so Richardson could take the reins at the position and show he can be the starter the team is looking for. For that to happen, the Colts have to allow him to take this opportunity.
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