Anthony Richardson injury update: Shane Steichen reveals QB's status amid oblique injury

Indianapolis Colts (3-3) quarterback Anthony Richardson will likely practice in full on Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters.

Richardson, the 2023 first round pick, has been sidelined for the past two games with an oblique injury. He looked to have a chance to make it back for this past Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans (1-4), but Steichen decided to keep him inactive out of an abundance of caution.

“I wanted to make sure he was 100%,” Steichen said Monday, via Stephen Holder of ESPN. “That’s what went into the decision. He’s really close. That’s why we had him as our third/emergency quarterback. But he should be looking really good this week.”

With Richardson recovering from his oblique injury, Joe Flacco has gotten the start under center the last two weeks. Flacco, the 39-year-old, reigning AP Comeback Player of the Year, guided the Colts to a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) in Week 4, a three-point defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) in Week 5 and a three-point victory over the Titans in Week 6. He has thrown for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception on 65.7% passing.

Anthony Richardson ready for Colts return

Flacco has performed well, however, Richardson remains QB1 when healthy.

“Flacco’s a really good player and playing good ball for us, but when Anthony’s healthy, he’s our quarterback,” Steichen said.

Richardson has had trouble staying on the field in his brief NFL career, missing 13 games last season and now two in 2024. The former Florida standout is still early in his development, and the results have been a mixed bag to this point. Prior to his latest injury, Richardson threw six interceptions and completed just 50.6% of his passes.

All signs point to Richardson being back under center in Sunday’s Week 7 home contest against the Miami Dolphins (2-3).

“I’m feeling good, it’s healing up nicely,” Richardson told Bleacher Report. “I’m getting ready for the opportunity to play again when that time comes. I’m taking advantage of the days and healing up.”