Anthony

Richardson

“The good thing is, he’s not going to need a procedure right now,” Steichen continued. Richardson’s second opinion with Neal ElAttrache looked to conclude that the quarterback should continue to rest and rehab the shoulder. We’re skeptical that Richardson won’t eventually end up under the knife — that’s just not how second opinions usually work out. But if you take the Colts at their word, we should expect Richardson to instead merely be well behind Daniel Jones in the quarterback competition by the time he’s ready to throw in training camp.

ElAttrache is the surgeon that performed the surgery on Richardson’s throwing shoulder in 2023 and is not a name Colts fans want to hear in the news regarding their quarterback. It was previously reported that no structural damage was found after a scan on his shoulder was performed Friday, but any lingering inflammation and soreness almost two years after surgery is noteworthy and frightening. The team does not believe he will require another surgery at this time. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes there’s “a very good chance” that Daniel Jones is the Colts starter in Week 1.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson was not expected to undergo surgery on his shoulder. However, Fowler adds that Richardson underwent a scan on his shoulder that revealed no structural damage. Per Fowler, Richardson has thrown, at times, 100-plus passes a day as he prepares for his quarterback competition with Daniel Jones. The shoulder injury, while inconvenient, appears to be mostly inflammation that should subside with time, allowing for a return to training camp with rest and relaxation. Already considered by some to be the odd man out when this summer’s battle concludes, this early injury won’t do anything to help Richardson gain an inside edge on Jones, who was already splitting starter reps in OTAs.

Richardson aggravated the AC joint in his throwing shoulder, which he had surgery on in 2023. Per Steichen, he won’t undergo surgery at this time. Steichen said he expects Richardson back “at some point” in training camp. CBS’ Jonathan Jones reports Richardson should be ready for camp. It’s a nightmare scenario for the young passer. On top of the obvious risk that the injury becomes a long-term issue, Richardson missing crucial reps in the offseason will put him behind the eight ball to win the starting job. Daniel Jones has to be considered the favorite to start Week 1 at this point, making Richardson undraftable in most fantasy formats.

Steichen said he will flip-flop the reps between his quarterbacks and reiterated that it’s an “open competition” for the starting gig. Nothing here is breaking news. The Colts have used the “open competition” phrase previously, and Steichen already said he plans for both quarterbacks to get equal time with the starters throughout the offseason. Still, it’s important to note that the coaches are sticking to the party line so far, even if the front office would likely prefer Richardson to be the starter. Richardson is an elite fantasy option when under center, but the leash will be incredibly short if he struggles early. That is, of course, if he even beats out Jones for the job ahead of Week 1.

According to Erickson, Jones and Pittman have been working out together ever since the Colts signed Jones in March, adding that Anthony Richardson has been in Florida rehabbing. It’s a minor detail, but one that’s worth keeping in mind as Jones prepares to compete with Richardson for the Colts’ QB1 job this summer. Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal this offseason and will undoubtedly get a chance to start at some point. Building early chemistry with the Colts’ WR1 could give him an inside edge on the competition once things ramp up.

Richardson has worked extensively with a biometrics coach this offseason to improve his throwing motion and his footwork, which was often sloppy when he was under pressure during his first two NFL seasons. “That was really one of the main things I wanted to focus on because everybody knows I can throw the ball whenever [the pocket] is smooth, but I want to find opportunities for myself to be consistent when I am off-balance, make decent throws, and even when everything is perfect, making sure my feet are intact and my base is solid,” Richardson told reporters Tuesday. Richardson said he wants to be able “to just stay calm in the pocket.” He’ll compete with Daniel Jones for the Colts’ Week 1 starting job. Head coach Shane Steichen has said whoever can be more consistent will land the QB1 job.

Jones and Richardson are slated to split first-team reps this offseason, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Ballard’s recent comments on the uncertain Indy QB situation all but confirm that both Richardson and Jones will start games in 2025. “You don’t want to begin with an end in mind,” Ballard said. “If I’m a betting man, at some point, both of them will help us.” Richardson is entering a make or break year after two catastrophic seasons to start his NFL career and Jones is looking to re-establish himself after struggling with injuries and playing poorly after signing a big contract with the Giants in 2023. Jones is getting $13.15 million in guaranteed money this season. “Who gives us our best chance to win,” Ballard said. “I think it will be a great competition between both of them.” Even if Richardson struggles once again, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts use him in a Taysom Hill-like rushing role on short yardage and goal line situations.

Richardson’s days as the Colts’ QB1 have never felt more numbered. After years of saying reps were the most important thing for Richardson, Steichen has now said Richardson will “have to take advantage of the reps that he gets.” The Colts gave Jones a one-year, $14 million contract this offseason to come in and compete with Richardson, and it’s safe to say he’ll have a good chance to start come Week 1. Jones is getting $13.15 million in guaranteed money on his deal and will have to compete with a third-year quarterback whose 1,814-8-12 line in 2024 was anything but stellar. Richardson will have a chance to win the QB1 battle in camp, but throughout his career, even at his worst, Jones has looked like a far better quarterback than Richardson.

The Colts will reportedly hold an open competition between Richardson and Daniel Jones, who on Tuesday signed a one-year contract with Indy worth $14 million, with $13.5 million guaranteed. Richardson, who has struggled mightily with accuracy and touch throws over his 15 NFL starts, is working with a biometrics coach to clean up his throwing motion ahead of what will be a make-or-break year for the former first-round pick. Richardson, per his agent, will be “ready to roll” for a competition with Jones.