On Wednesday, the Colts announced that rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson would be out for the remainder of the season due to injury

Richardson sprained his AC joint on his right throwing shoulder after a hit he took in a game against the Tennessee Titans. It has been announced that Richardson will undergo season-ending surgery, as it is the best long-term option for his health. 

In Richardson’s second game of the season against Houston, he went out with a concussion after taking a hard hit in the red zone. Despite this, the Colts were unable to do a better job of protecting their quarterback or teaching him to not take big hits when running the ball leading to his newly acquired shoulder injury.

Richardson was the Colts fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft. Ever since the retirement of former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, the team has not been able to find a good long-term option to fill the quarterback position since. 

Since the preseason, Richardson was named the starting quarterback of the Colts and has performed well in the games he has played so far. In the four games he has played, two he left early, he has put up 713 total yards and seven touchdowns (rushing and passing).

With this huge loss for the Colts this season, they remain optimistic about his return for next season.

“We anticipate a full recovery, and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. 

In the meantime, the Colts, who have a record of 3-3, expect veteran and backup quarterback Gardner Minshiew to compete every day in games and practice in hopes of a playoff berth without their rookie quarterback.