Indianapolis Colts officially place QB Anthony Richardson on injured reserve

Well, some tough news came down the wire for the Indianapolis Colts this week as first round pick and starting quarterback Anthony Richardson was officially sent to the injured reserve, taking him out of at least the next four games.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the report Wednesday morning and tweeted out the news that Richardson is headed to IR. Here was that tweet:

“Colts placed Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.”

Richardson left Sunday’s game against the Titans with a right shoulder injury. The former Florida Gator star underwent further testing on Monday to confirm the severity of his injury, an AC joint sprain, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

More on Richardson injury

Richardson has missed time already this year in concussion protocol, as he was sidelined for Week 3’s overtime victory against the Baltimore Ravens. He returned the following week to lead the Colts to another overtime matchup, this time in a losing effort against the Los Angeles Rams.

But following the latest injury, Colts head coach Shane Steichen delivered bad news regarding quarterback Richardson this Monday. As expected, Steichen told reporters that the rookie will miss “some time” due to the shoulder injury he suffered Sunday against the Titans.

Ian Rapoport has similar news to share earlier in the week.

“Sources tell me that the initial diagnosis was a Grade 3 AC Joint sprain… If the tests confirm what the initial diagnosis was, you’re looking at a month or longer for Anthony Richardson,” Rapoport had said on Good Morning Football on Monday.

“It brings Injured Reserve into play for the standout rookie for the Colts and it makes Gardner Minshew the starter moving forward. I expect him to start this week against the Jaguars at the very least.”

Steichen also noted that the team is still evaluating whether to place Richardson on the injured reserve. Obviously, later in the week, the Colts now have placed him on IR, meaning a mandatory four weeks off the field

The Colts led the Titans 10-6 before the QB’s injury. Richardson began the game 9-of-12 passing for 98 yards before exiting. He also took one sack for a loss of 17 yards.

The Colts ended up defeating the Titans 23-16 with Gardner Minshew filling in for the rookie. Minshew finished the game going 11-for-14 for 155 yards. Running back Zack Moss led all scorers with two touchdowns.