Colts QB Anthony Richardson Out Indefinitely: Shoulder Saga Strikes Again

Alright, gather ’round, folks, because the Anthony Richardson rollercoaster just sputtered to a halt again, and it ain’t pretty. The Indianapolis Colts’ once golden hopeful quarterback, Anthony Richardson Sr., has been officially benched indefinitely due to a right shoulder injury that feels like a sad rerun nobody asked for.

So, what happened? In case you’ve been living under a rock, Richardson has been battling injuries like a video game character stuck on ‘Hard’ mode. This shoulder issue is an aggravation of the same AC joint injury that landed him in season-ending surgery back in October 2023—his rookie season. If you think that sounds like déjà vu, congrats, you’re paying attention.

The Colts head coach, Shane Steichen, recently dropped the bomb at a press briefing: Richardson’s shoulder flared up again during offseason activities. The young quarterback has been sidelined since then and will miss the Colts’ mandatory minicamp. Steichen wisely refused to give any ‘return-to-play’ magic timeline, which means we’re stuck playing the waiting game.

Here’s the kicker: no new surgery is planned right now. Instead, the medical team plans to ease Richardson back into throwing once he’s feeling better. But given the history, you can’t help but wonder if this shoulder is the equivalent of that haunted house that keeps throwing a pie in the face of anyone who dares enter.

Now, if you’re scratching your head, wondering what this means for the Colts’ future and Richardson’s career, boy, do I have some thoughts for you.

The Injury Odyssey: A Rocky Start to a Rocky Career

Let’s flashback two years—a sort of “Anthony Richardson injury greatest hits.” The No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft showed flashes of raw talent and athleticism. But then, bam: a season-ending AC joint sprain lays him flat after just six games. Fast forward, and he’s missed a brutal total of 17 games over two seasons. That’s not a benchwarmer’s stat; that’s a “what’s the plan here” stat.

Last year wasn’t much glitzier. Richardson missed time with back spasms, oblique and hip injuries, a concussion, and let’s not forget, got benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco for a couple games. The very sight of Richardson was starting to induce a collective eye roll among Colts fans because it felt like every time he got close, his body went, “Nah, not today, pal.”

The QB Battle Gets Messy: Daniel Jones Steps In

Enter Daniel Jones, former New York Giants starter, signed by Indianapolis this past March, waving a “starting QB” flag in the middle of this injury chaos. Jones, who’s been healthy and grinding through offseason workouts, now finds himself handed a golden opportunity due to Richardson’s current limbo.

Let’s be frank: Jones isn’t just a placeholder. The guy’s been in the league since 2019 and knows how to handle pressure—even if he was sometimes a love/hate figure with the Giants. His stats show he’s a seasoned pro, with a career peppered with decent rushing ability and a stable if unspectacular passing record. In 2024, for instance, Jones completed 63% of his passes for over 2,000 yards and 8 touchdowns with the Giants before his move. That said, his history isn’t spotless. He’s had injury issues and inconsistency, but compared to the maddening injury saga of Richardson, Jones is the steady ship in the storm.

Colts fans should not ignore the reality: Daniel Jones will likely be the guy wearing the starter’s jersey come Week 1, unless Richardson pulls off some miracle comeback and convinces everyone the shoulder won’t betray him again.

Shane Steichen’s Role & The Colts’ Outlook

Head coach Shane Steichen is walking a tightrope here. He loves the potential Richardson brings, but he’s also gotta play it smart. Sitting Richardson out from minicamp is a move designed to preserve the player and the team’s investment, yet it also shifts the momentum to Jones. Steichen’s measured comments—acknowledging the injury but refusing to rush Richardson—are classic coach speak with an undertone of cautious optimism mixed with silent worry.

Steichen has a solid track record—he’s the guy who revamped the Colts offense to make Andrew Luck’s departure less painful. But even with that brilliance, the QB situation could make or break this season. Richardson’s health issues and Jones’s need to quickly grasp the Colts’ offensive system will dictate how competitive Indy can be in 2025.

What This Means for Colts Fans (and Football Fans in General)

If you’re a Colts fan, brace yourself. The past two seasons have been a grueling soap opera filled with “what ifs.” Richardson’s injuries have been an emotional wrecking ball. But hey, Jones is here and ready to take advantage. That competition isn’t just a storyline anymore—it’s a full-blown preseason saga with your hopes riding on two very different QBs.

And let’s face it, Richardson’s talent is undeniable when he’s on the field. A 6-foot-4, 244-pound human highlight reel who can run, scramble, and make jaw-dropping throws. But the question you have to ask is: how many times can a shoulder betray this kid before the Colts start looking at a reset—probably in the 2026 draft?

Meanwhile, Jones is ticking all the boxes: reliability, experience, and availability. It’s the classic NFL telenovela—injury vs. opportunity, youth vs. veteran, hope vs. harsh reality.

For now, we wait. Colts fans will argue and debate, but Richardson’s timetable is anyone’s guess. The injury will keep him out for an indefinite period, and until that shoulder decides not to throw a tantrum, Daniel Jones will be the man under center.

Final Thought

Anthony Richardson’s story is a cautionary tale of unrealized potential, brutal injuries, and the cruel luck of the NFL injury gods. But the Colts have a chance with Daniel Jones to salvage a promising season. Will Richardson rise again? Will Jones become the savior or just a placeholder? Buckle up, because this QB drama isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.