Colts QB Anthony Richardson Looks Set to Return to Practice After Injury — What This Means Moving Forward
The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up to get back on the practice field this Saturday for the first time since their preseason clash against the Baltimore Ravens. The big question on everyone’s mind? Whether rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will take part in practice — and the latest buzz says he plans to.
Let’s rewind a bit. During the Colts’ second possession against Baltimore, Richardson took a serious hit. A blitzing Ravens defender came in hot, sacking Richardson and causing him to dislocate his pinkie finger. Naturally, this set off alarm bells for the Colts faithful, as well as fantasy football fans everywhere. Injuries to key young QBs can really shake things up early in the season.
Thankfully, the initial scare wasn’t as bad as it seemed. ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported on Friday that Richardson’s injury was trending in the right direction, and his X-rays came back negative — no fractures or breaks. That was a huge relief for everyone watching. Still, a dislocated pinkie isn’t something you just shake off in a day or two, especially for a quarterback who relies on grip and finger strength to throw accurately.
Richardson himself shared some insights after the game, recounting exactly what happened on that play. It was a tough moment, but his mindset stayed strong. Resilience is a key trait for any NFL quarterback, and especially for someone as young and promising as Anthony.
Now, what about Saturday? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke the news that Richardson plans to practice with the team this weekend. That’s encouraging — especially since practice reps are crucial for Richardson’s development and timing with the offense. However, the Colts haven’t confirmed whether he’ll be a full participant or if he might be limited in any way. It’s not unusual for players coming off an injury to ease back into full action gradually.
Interestingly, the Colts’ original game plan for the preseason matchup against Baltimore was different than what unfolded. The idea was for Richardson to play the first quarter and a half, giving starter Daniel Jones a chance to finish out the half. But things shifted — Jones ended up playing 31 snaps, more than initially expected, likely to help maintain rhythm and keep the offense sharp.
That led head coach Shane Steichen to mention he’s considering switching things around for the next preseason game against Green Bay. Initially, Jones was slated to start that game, but Steichen wants to make sure Richardson gets roughly the same number of reps Jones had against Baltimore. This signals the Colts’ intention to give Richardson every opportunity to grow and prove himself before the regular season kicks off.
Of course, all eyes will be on Saturday’s practice to see how Richardson responds and whether he can ramp back up to full speed without aggravating his finger. Fingers crossed, because the Colts’ offense looks electric when Richardson is healthy and in rhythm.
What This Means for the Colts Moving Forward
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Richardson’s development is a priority. The Colts clearly see him as their QB of the future, and even in the preseason, they’re making sure he gets the right reps and experience. Getting him back on the field for practice will be a big step.
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Managing injuries carefully. A dislocated pinkie might not sound severe compared to other football injuries, but for a quarterback’s throwing hand, it’s a delicate matter. The Colts’ medical staff will want to avoid rushing him back too quickly.
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Jones’ role is still important. Daniel Jones isn’t just a backup — he’s a proven veteran. His increased snaps in Baltimore might have been a strategic decision to keep the offense stable. It also gives Richardson a chance to learn by watching and playing alongside Jones.
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Preseason reps matter. These games and practices aren’t just tune-ups; they’re critical for quarterbacks to develop chemistry with their receivers and get comfortable with the playbook. Steichen’s plan to balance reps between Jones and Richardson shows smart roster management.
A Look Back at Richardson’s Season So Far
Anthony Richardson entered the NFL with a ton of hype, known for his raw athleticism and big-play potential. His first preseason game against the Ravens was a test — not just of his physical skills, but his ability to bounce back from adversity.
The hit that caused the pinkie injury was a reminder that football’s physical toll is real, even in preseason. But the fact that his X-rays were clean and he’s aiming to practice again this weekend shows grit and determination. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how quickly Richardson regains his confidence and mobility.
What Fans Should Watch This Weekend
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Practice participation: Will Richardson be limited or fully back? His level of engagement could set the tone for the Colts’ QB depth chart heading into the regular season.
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Performance in practice drills: Beyond just showing up, how sharp is Richardson? Is his arm strength and accuracy back to form?
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Team chemistry: The Colts have a talented receiving corps. How Richardson syncs up with them this week will be telling.
Final Thoughts
The Colts’ quarterback situation is shaping up to be one of the more exciting storylines as preseason moves along. Anthony Richardson’s potential is enormous, and this finger injury was an early bump in the road — but not a stop sign. With the right mix of caution and opportunity, Richardson could bounce back quickly and show why the Colts invested in him.
Meanwhile, Daniel Jones remains a steady hand, and the Colts coaching staff seems committed to balancing experience and youth, which is exactly what you want in a competitive NFL team.
Stay tuned for Saturday’s practice updates — they could tell us a lot about the Colts’ QB future and how the team plans to attack the upcoming season.
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