It is hard to shake the feeling that we are past it all.
Not even a bump in the road. That is how Anthony Richardson described his latest injury, if we can even call it that. The shoulder “soreness” or “discomfort” (use choose your preferred verbiage here) appears to be nothing more than that. Richardson went as far as stating the A/C joint flair up of the tear that cost him the majority of his rookie season was more “tripping and falling”, but he has since gotten back up and is hitting the ground running. That is certainly a positive update, and the following may feel like making a mountain out of a molehill; it must be asked however, whether this update provides a sense of calm and peace or whether it takes on more of an eye of the storm type of feel.
Currently, I have my doubts regarding Richardson, but I have been a fan since day one. I want nothing more than for him to have ultimate success with the Indianapolis Colts. Being on the quarterback carousel after so many years of stability at the position has been uncomfortable at best. The want for success is high; the fear that success will never come due to a constant string of injuries is rising. How does one move off that fear if all they see are injuries and time away from the field?
Ready for training camp or not, Richardson has already lost valuable time. He is at a point in his career where missing even a few practices falls under the category of setback. If this was Peyton Manning in year ten, it could be said that missing the entire offseason could be overcome. Unfortunately, Richardson hasn’t earned that trust. There is still a long way to go before the season begins in September. What happens in the leadup? On top of that, we can only imagine what will occur when games commence and he is taking full contact. Until he can make it through an entire season unscathed, it will be impossible for many fans to not fear the moment when the other shoe will drop and a new injury will appear.
Anthony Richardson has to use his physicality because that is his greatest gift. That comes with a greater chance at injury and thus increases the concern level that something will happen to cause him to miss time. That is the risk when drafting a physical freak of nature with raw ability at quarterback. Improve the skills that are lacking but maximum the God given talent. The Colts and Richardson have to find a way to harness that without risking injury. Is that possible? Not sure. What is sure is that I and many others won’t be comfortable for a while watching Richardson on the field. Every hit and slow rise from the turf will produce a jolt of adrenaline until enough of those hits are strung together without incident. Then and only then will fans begin to breathe a tad easier.