Anthony Richardson's first audition for the Indianapolis Colts’ starting job was dealt an unfortune -- and unblocked -- hit in the first quarter on Thursday night.
Richardson, playing on the Colts’ second drive in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens, was flattened by David Ojabo and did not return after sustaining a dislocated pinky on the play. Richardson is day to day, head coach Shane Steichen said after the game.
Richardson was replaced by his QB1 competition Daniel Jones, who was already slated to be the starter in preseason Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, but Steichen said the plan might change. Should Richardson be able to play, who could potentially get more run next week after an abbreviated showing on Thursday.
"I feel like I was doing decent out there, besides that one play right there," Richardson said, via Mark Maske. "But everything happens for a reason. Still got next game, so I'm not too worried about it."
Richardson was 2 of 3 for 21 yards on an opening field-goal drive, with his incompletion almost intercepted. On the second play of the second drive, he dropped back and never saw Ojabo coming from the right side.
Richardson was slow to get up and then went to the sideline favoring his right (throwing) arm.
Jones went the remainder of the first half before ceding the reins to rookie Riley Leonard. Jones quarterbacked the Colts to a pair of field goals, but was overall unimpressive, going 10 of 21 for 144 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He was also decked for a sack on his first full drive.
The 2023 NFL Draft’s fourth-overall pick, Richardson has been troubled by injuries throughout his short career. He missed 13 games as a rookie due to an A/C joint sprain to his throwing shoulder. In 2024, Richardson dealt with back, foot and hip injuries that caused him to miss time. He was also benched during the campaign.
This offseason, Colts general manager Chris Ballard sought competition for Richardson and brought in Jones.
As Jones took over leading the Colts earlier than expected in their preseason opener, time will tell how significant Richardson’s injury is to the QB competition.