Last month, Anthony Richardson resumed throwing in a notable step forward in his rehab process. The Colts quarterback continues to make progress while recovering from a sprained AC joint.
That shoulder injury led to season-ending surgery early in Richardson’s rookie campaign. He stays the team’s clear-cut starter ahead of the 2024 season, though, with backup Gardner Minshew having been replaced by Joe Flacco. Richardson could possibly be back to full speed as early as OTAs.
I believe he’ll be good to go for spring practice,” head coach Shane Steichen said, via the Indy Star’s Nate Atkins. “Obviously, we’ve got to limit it and monitor it and don’t go overboard, but I couldn’t be more excited to get him back going again.”
Indeed, a cautious approach can be sensible on the team’s part with respect to Richardson. The 21-year-old suffered multiple injuries before the AC joint sprain which ultimately sidelined him during a season during which he showed flashes of the two-way abilities which led to his high draft selection. Added with the fourth overall pick last April, Richardson faces the expectation of giving Indianapolis a long-term contributor under center for the primary time since Andrew Luck.
The latter’s sudden retirement decision in 2019 got here about after multiple major injuries, and his absence has proven to be difficult to beat for Indianapolis. For that reason, it comes as no surprise general manager Chris Ballard has echoed Steichen’s desire for a slow rehab process because it pertains to Richardson.
“I lived through the last one and I learned plenty of lessons living through the last one. Forgive me for being slightly cautious,” Ballard said on the NFL scouting Mix when asked concerning the Florida product. “I do know Anthony has made some statements that it’s essential to be ahead of schedule. We’re here to drag the reins to make certain we don’t get too far ahead of schedule and we’re staying with regardless of the doctors are telling us.”
The Colts’ OTAs are set to happen May 21-23, in addition to May 29-31. That shall be followed by mandatory minicamp from June 4-6. As things currently stand, Richardson will have the opportunity to participate in those practices prematurely of coaching camp through the summer.
