The Indianapolis Colts scared fans by removing Anthony Richardson late in Sunday’s 31-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Richardson exited his NFL debut after taking an awkward hit at the goal line with 59 seconds remaining. Gardner Minshew replaced him to finish the drive.
Per ESPN’s Stephen Holder, head coach Shane Steichen said the No. 4 pick didn’t get injured. Richardson believed he just banged up his knee and should be fine after icing it.
Richardson said he banged his left knee but believed icing it would be sufficient. pic.twitter.com/swkewKhxdY
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 10, 2023
Richardson threw an interception and got sacked four times, but he flashed considerable potential in his NFL action. The neophyte completed 24 of 37 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown while adding a team-high 40 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
First of many.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/aA2Km0xF4X
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 10, 2023
Richardson completed just 53.8 percent of his passes at Florida last season. However, the 6-foot-4, 236-pound quarterback grabbed everyone’s attention with a rare blend of size, speed, and arm strength.
The 21-year-old seemed like a long-term prospect who could benefit from an apprenticeship period. Instead, the Colts surprisingly named Richardson the Week 1 starter over Minshew.
Richardson held his own in a losing effort, but his teammates offered just 25 rushing yards on 16 carries without Jonathan Taylor. Meanwhile, Calvin Ridley recorded 101 yards and a touchdown in his first game in nearly two years.
Based on the encouraging postseason update, Richardson seems to be in no jeopardy of missing the first of many matchups against fellow first-round pick C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans next Sunday.