Anthony Richardson injury update: NFL insider shares level of concern in Colts' QB's shoulder

There could be some concern with Anthony Richardson and his shoulder injury going into training camp. While it’s not a five-alarm fire yet, Richardson’s shoulder soreness could “linger,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Richardson had lingering shoulder issues over the last couple of seasons. And while he’s eclectic on the field, he has to be able to stay on the field.

He went 6-5 last season amid the injuries, but struggled on the field. Richardson’s starting QB seat might heat up with veteran Daniel Jones in the building. Not to mention, the should soreness might blow the door wide open.

“It could linger,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “The plan right now is for rest. So Anthony Richardson reported to the team. He had some agitation, some inflammation in that shoulder stemming from that AC joint injury he had in 2023. They got some scans done, they got noted surgeon Neal ElAttrache involved. He’s the one who did the surgery two years ago. So talking to the team … I don’t get a sense that there’s a major concern of anything structural or long term right now, but it is a slippery slope, with shoulder injuries that could linger. 

“So they’re hopeful that with rest, that he will be fully ready for training camp … Part of it is Richardson has been going pretty hard this offseason, been throwing a lot, he’s getting ready for this battle, and then now he gets some soreness. Not major right now but it’s something that could linger.”

Last season, Richardson threw for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 47.7% completion percentage. He added 499 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns.

He missed six games last season due to injuries and a benching as well as 13 games during his rookie season. Moving forward, it’s fair to be concerned about Richardson’s long term health.

Richardson, selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, was benched by head coach Shane Steichen in favor of Joe Flacco back in Week 11 last year. General manager Chris Ballard said at his end-of-year presser that Richardson would have competition since “he’s not proven he can play 17 games.”

“Not going to put a timetable for training camp on it,” Steichen said. “But when he does come back, we’ll ease him into throwing and then we’ll go from there.”