Anthony Richardson injury update: Colts QB reveals he could 'barely even walk' amid disc issue

Indianapolis Colts (7-9) quarterback Anthony Richardson said Wednesday the disk issue in his lower back left him unable to stand and “crawling around the house” last week.

"Been dealing with stuff like this since about 8th grade. But it's never been this severe." -Anthony Richardson, on dealing with a disc issue in his back.

He added he couldn't stand up or walk early last week. #Colts pic.twitter.com/VspBmxfEkD

— Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) January 1, 2025

“Just dealing with my back, just lower back stuff,” Richardson said, via Brett Bensley of FOX59 News. “Last week was tough, I couldn’t even stand up on Tuesday, could barely even walk and was crawling around the house. But I’m here and I’m standing now. If I could do everything in my power to get on the field, I’m going to do so. That was my mindset last week as well, but I could barely move.”

Colts hopeful to have Anthony Richardson back in Week 18

Richardson was sidelined for this past Sunday’s game against the New York Giants (3-13), a 45-33 defeat. Head coach Shane Steichen initially said Richardson was dealing with soreness after the Week 16 win over the Tennessee Titans (3-13), but didn’t offer any specifics. Steichen then revealed after the loss to New York the injury to be back spasms.

“I like to keep a lot of things in-house, you know what I mean?” Steichen said. “That’s part of it.” 

Steichen and the Colts are hopeful that Richardson can suit up in this Sunday’s season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12).

“I’ve been dealing with stuff like this since like eighth grade, but it’s never been this severe,” Richardson said. “It was definitely a little scary last week not being able to move but I’m standing up now and looking forward to play this week if I can.”

Injuries have been a major part of Richardson’s brief NFL career. The 2023 fourth overall pick missed 13 games in his rookie campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair an AC joint sprain. He missed Weeks 5 and 6 this season with an oblique injury, only to return in Week 7. Steichen benched him in favor of Joe Flacco due to poor performance after Week 8 but went back to Richardson in Week 11.

Richardson has picked up his play since being reinserted into the starting lineup, leading the Colts to a 3-2 record. Richardson has been responsible for nine touchdowns in those five games.