Anthony Richardson’s shoulder injury didn’t change everything, but it certainly didn’t help the third-year quarterback.
Now, he’s spending the rest of the offseason in a difficult position as Daniel Jones aims to outpace him for the starting quarterback role with the Indianapolis Colts.
This has created an intriguing situation, as highlighted by ESPN’s Dan Graziano: Could Richardson have already played his final snap in Indianapolis?
Graziano responded to this by stating:
“The Colts have already brought in veteran Daniel Jones to challenge Richardson for the starting QB position, and now Richardson is grappling with an injury to his throwing shoulder — the same injury that cut his rookie season short in 2023. If Richardson continues to face health issues and Jones demonstrates he can effectively manage the offense, it’s possible the Colts might stick with Jones this season and consider moving on from Richardson — the fourth pick in the 2023 draft — as soon as next offseason.”
It would be a significant failure for the Colts to cut or trade Richardson after this season, but if he doesn’t make a breakthrough, they might not have any other choice.
Indianapolis still hasn’t resolved its quarterback issues since Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement.
Richardson was selected in the top-five to be the solution, but instead, he completed 47% of his passes in his second NFL season.
Jones may just be a temporary solution, but he’s capable enough to keep Richardson at bay if he performs up to his potential.
And if that happens, it would mean yet another year in Indianapolis without a clear quarterback solution.