Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson Could Miss a Month

Posted on: October 9, 2023, 03:13h. 

Last updated on: October 10, 2023, 12:55h.

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson sustained a right shoulder injury in Week 5, and he could miss a month of action.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson shoulder injury
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, seen here in pain after suffering a shoulder injury, prematurely exited Week 5’s game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Field. (Image: Getty)

Richardson sustained a shoulder injury in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South divisional game. He was tackled during a run play, and landed on his right shoulder after he was slammed to the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Richardson pointed to his shoulder when medical staff rushed to the field to attend to him. Cameras caught him walking to the locker room in obvious pain. Initial X-rays were negative.

Backup quarterback Gardener Minshew entered the game late in the second half. He completed 14-of-22 passes for 155 yards off the bench, and helped lead the Colts to a 23-16 comeback victory over the Titans.

The Colts improved to 3-2 on the season, and are currently tied for first place in the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Colts selected Richardson with the fourth-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He earned the starting quarterback job early in the preseason over Minshew.

Another Injury for Richardson

Richardson underwent additional testing on Monday, which revealed an AC joint injury on his right shoulder. He has a grade three sprain and is currently seeking a second opinion.

Dr. Keith Meister, a shoulder specialist, will examine Richardson and determine if he requires surgery. Richardson could miss up to a month until his shoulder injury heals, and possibly more time if he undergoes surgery.

The Colts listed Richardson as out for Week 6’s game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.

Richardson exited three games this season with an injury. In Week 1 against the Jaguars, Richardson made his pro debut. He banged his knee late in the fourth quarter and did not finish the game. In Week 2, Richardson sustained a concussion in a divisional game against the Houston Texans and Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite C.J. Stroud.

Richardson missed Week 3 because he did not clear concussion protocol, so Minshew started against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 4, Richardson played a full game against the Los Angeles Rams without any injuries.

Against the Titans in Week 5, Richardson suffered an injury in the second quarter before he was pulled from a third game this season.

In four games this season, Richardson completed 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards and three touchdowns. He threw one interception and was sacked seven times.

Richardson displayed his skills as a mobile quarterback by scoring four rushing touchdowns. He rushed 25 times this season for 136 yards.

Richardson’s best game this season occurred in a 29-23 overtime loss against the Rams in Week 4. He passed for 200 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 56 rushing yards and an additional touchdown on 10 carries.

Betting the Colts, Minshew 1-0 ATS This Season

In one official start this season, the Colts are 1-0 with Minshew under center. Minshew led the Colts to a 22-19 upset against the Ravens in Baltimore in Week 3. He completed 68.7% of his passes this season for 533 yards and one touchdown.

Minshew is expected to start for the Colts in Week 6 against his former club. He has a 9-16 career record as a starter, including 7-13 as a starter in 20 games with the Jaguars.

The Colts are currently +4 road under dogs against the Jaguars. The Colts and Jaguars both have a 3-2 record against the point spread this season.

In the season opener in Week 1, the Colts were a +3.5 home dog against the Jaguars. The Colts blew a 21-17 lead in the fourth quarter and lost, 31-21.

The Jaguars return home after playing two games in London during the last two weeks. They won both games, including a huge win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.

The Colts currently have a win total of 7.5 over/under. The Colts are +200 odds to make the playoffs, and -250 odds to miss the postseason, according to DraftKings.

The Jaguars and Colts are tied for first place in the AFC South. The Jaguars are -105 odds to win the division, and the Colts are +400 odds.

The Colts opened this season at +15000 odds to win Super Bowl LVIII. They saw a slight uptick in the futures since the season began, and they’re now +13000 odds to win the Super Bowl. They’re also a long shot to win the AFC Championship at +6000 odds.