Indianapolis Colts sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson had his rookie season completely derailed by multiple injuries. A season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 ended his season prematurely. Now healthy and ready to compete, Richardson should enjoy a breakout campaign in 2024.
Richardson suffered three separate injuries in just four appearances during his first season. The former Florida standout momentarily exited Indianapolis' Week 1 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars with knee and ankle soreness. Richardson then suffered a concussion in a Week 2 victory over the Houston Texans that sidelined him for Indianapolis' next game.
Richardson later suffered his season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 on a tackle by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Harold Landry III. Richardson was driven into the ground and was eventually diagnosed with a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. He underwent surgery that ended his 2023 campaign.
There were flashes of high-level quarterback play before Richardson went down. The fourth overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft completed 65% of his passing attempts in Week 1, throwing for 223 yards and a touchdown, rushing for another 40 yards and an additional score. Richardson had already rushed for two touchdowns before suffering his concussion in Week 2.
Richardson helped lead the Colts to a thrilling overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Before his season ended during the second quarter of the Titans contest, he had completed 75% of his passes. Richardson displayed spurts of outstanding dual-threat quarterback performance.
The Colts are holding their first training camp practice of the season on Thursday (7/25). General manager Chris Ballard recently declared Richardson a full-go, saying, "I'm not expecting any limitations right now." Fans are anxious to see Richardson's second-year growth.
Colts GM Chris Ballard told reporters that QB Anthony Richardson will be a full go during training camp. “I'm not expecting any limitations right now,” Ballard said. pic.twitter.com/1JzxFsdHow
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2024
The Colts have further invested in Richardson's development this offseason. Ballard utilized his second-round selection in the 2024 draft on wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Richardson now has receivers like Mitchell, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Michael Pittman Jr. at his disposal. Former rushing champion Jonathan Taylor is still in the backfield. There is no shortage of playmakers in Indianapolis' offense.
The offensive line returns last season's identical starting five and is one of the better units around the league. To add depth, Ballard drafted Pittsburgh offensive tackle Matt Goncalves and Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini. The Colts are deep enough up front to withstand an injury or two.
Richardson will also be entering his second campaign under the tutelage of offensive-minded head coach Shane Steichen. Though Richardson spent little time executing Steichen's concepts on the field, he should be extremely comfortable and familiar. He'll have a better grasp of the offense.
The Colts managed to finish 9-8, remaining in postseason contention even without Richardson. It speaks volumes of Steichen's coaching ability. The sky's the limit for Indianapolis in 2024 with Richardson under center.
The onus is on Richardson to remain healthy throughout 2024. Better situational awareness could help Richardson play a complete season. If injuries don't continue derailing his availability, he'll enjoy a breakout season as one of the league's most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks.