It's been quite a busy offseason for the Indianapolis Colts, who are going through a high-profile quarterback competition and a change in ownership after the unfortunate passing of Jim Irsay last month.
While the team takes the field for mandatory minicamp this month, the QB competition is being put on hold for a bit as Anthony Richardson, a former first-round pick, deals with a shoulder injury that will hold him out of throwing activities for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Daniel Jones, whom Indianapolis signed as a free agent this offseason, will take over QB1 reps as the de-facto starter with Richardson on the bench.
On Tuesday, Colts' head coach Shane Steichen offered an updated on the injury situation for Richardson.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5).
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5).
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
According to Steichen, Richardson went to Los Angeles to have his AC joint re-checked with the doctor that performed the surgery on it and there is no timetable for his return.
There is a hope that surgery will not be needed for Richardson before the season starts, but with this being the same injury that held No. 5 out for a majority of his rookie season in 2023, there is some concern about his recovery time.
In the meantime, the plan is for Richardson to rest his shoulder and hopefully return to the field by the time fall camp rolls around.
However, Richardson was expected to be in a highly-contentious QB battle with Jones this offseason, and every rep counts as both work to be named the starter. With Richardson now out for the foreseeable future, Jones has an opportunity to take a lead in the race for QB1, and potentially hold that lead going into the season.