Colts GM Chris Ballard: Anthony Richardson is throwing, team will be 'cautious' with return

As the Indianapolis Colts work through their plan for the 2024 NFL Draft, they’re awaiting the return of last year’s top pick. Anthony Richardson underwent shoulder surgery late in his rookie season, and general manager Chris Ballard had an update on where things stand at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Richardson is four months removed from his October surgery, which came just four games into his young NFL career. Ballard confirmed the former Florida star is able to throw the ball now, which is a big step in his recovery.

That said, the team plans to be careful with Richardson, and Ballard cited lessons learned from Andrew Luck’s situation when he was the quarterback in Indianapolis.

“Really happy about where he’s at,” Ballard said. “He started throwing, he’s on a rehab program. We’re not going to – I mean, I lived through the last one [Luck], okay? And I learned a lot of lessons living through the last one. So forgive me for being a little cautious.”

Luck battled through multiple injuries during his career, including a labrum tear in his shoulder that required surgery and eventually cost him his 2017 season. He retired after a 2018 season that earned him Comeback Player of the Year honors.

ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported Anthony Richardson is “six to eight weeks ahead of schedule” with his recovery, but Ballard made it clear the team is making sure he doesn’t get out too far over the skis. Still, he sounded happy with where things stand with the draft approaching in two months and minicamp coming shortly thereafter.

“I know Anthony’s made some statements that it’s important to be ahead of schedule,” Ballard said. “We’re here to pull the reins to make sure we don’t get too far ahead of schedule and we’re staying with whatever the doctors are telling us. But he’s in good shape. He’s throwing. He’s got a good throwing program, he’s got good people working with him. I’m encouraged about where he’s at and where he’s going.”

In the four games prior to his injury, Richardson completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for four touchdowns on the ground as he proved to be a true dual threat in Shane Steichen’s system. It was a hot start to the year for Richardson, who was the Colts’ top draft pick at No. 4 overall out of Florida.

Gardner Minshew took over at quarterback and helped keep the Colts on track en route to a 9-8 record to just miss out on a playoff appearance.