Anthony Richardson’s first chance to grab the starting quarterback spot with the Colts was cut short. In a preseason game against the Ravens, he faced a tough hit from David Ojabo on just the second possession. Ojabo came from Richardson’s blindside, and the hit sent him out of the game.
Richardson was seen holding his hand and the Colts quickly revealed he suffered a finger injury. A photo captured his pinkie bent at an awkward angle, hinting at a significant setback. Just last season, Richardson had surgery for an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, which had already cut into his playing time.
This preseason, he was competing against Daniel Jones for the starting role. Richardson was supposed to play for a quarter and a half before Jones took over. Instead, he watched from the sidelines, his pinkie taped up, after completing 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards.
In his brief career as a starter, injuries have limited Richardson’s performance, causing him to miss 17 games. With a career completion rate of just 50.6%, he faces a challenging path ahead. The pressure is real, as injuries in such a high-impact sport can define a player’s career.
Experts suggest that consistency and health are key for any quarterback’s success. A 2021 study by the National Football League revealed that 66% of starting quarterbacks faced significant injuries during their careers, impacting their performance long-term.
Fans are reacting strongly to Richardson’s setbacks. Social media buzzes with conversations about his potential and worries about whether he can overcome injuries to become a reliable leader for the Colts. Only time will reveal if he can bounce back.
As the Colts move forward, they will be keeping a close watch on Richardson’s recovery. The team’s future may depend on his ability to stay healthy and perform effectively on the field.
For more details on player injuries and their impact on team performance, check out this study on [NFL player injuries](https://www.nfl.com/news/injury-analysis-nfl-player-injuries-2021).
