The Indianapolis Colts’ preseason began with a harsh blow: Anthony Richardson was forced to leave the game against the Baltimore Ravens just minutes after kickoff, raising significant doubts about his availability. The diagnosis revealed a dislocated pinky finger on his throwing hand.
In this context, the battle for the starting quarterback job has intensified. Following the exit of the second-year pro, Daniel Jones stepped in during the game. The former New York Giants QB showed flashes of rhythm, although his performance was somewhat inconsistent.
The biggest talking point was not the loss to Baltimore, but the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s condition after leaving the game having completed just two passes. In his short career, he has already missed 17 games due to injury, and the Colts are eager to avoid any doubts about the long-term availability of one of their stars.
What did Richardson say about his injury?
“You know, it was weird. He (Ravens edge rusher David Ojabo) hit me, then I was trying to make sure I had the ball. I just looked down, I see my finger in a different direction. I’m like, maybe I’m tripping. I looked at it again, and it was definitely like that. So I’m like, I need to get this thing popped back in place and I’m good,” Richardson admitted in a postgame press conference.
Richardson said the finger was “a little swollen” and tender, but that he expects to feel better soon. At the same time, the Colts quarterback described the play as “tricky,” noting that he had expected the blitz to come from the opposite side of the five-man protection.
The Colts’ outlook
The battle for the starting role is now more open than ever. Richardson will need to prove not only his physical recovery, but also his mental toughness in the face of the pressure brought by the competition with Daniel Jones. His progress in the coming practices will be key to determining the direction of the Colts’ offense at the start of the season.