What happened to Anthony Richardson? What’s the update on his injury?
Colts QB Anthony Richardson Suffers Dislocated Pinkie in Preseason Loss to Ravens Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. had just been blindsided by an unblocked defender when he glanced down to secure the football—only to discover his right pinkie bent sharply at an unnatural angle.
The gruesome sight came during Thursday night’s 24-16 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when linebacker David Ojabo sacked Richardson with 7:33 remaining in the first quarter. The impact left him with a dislocated pinkie on his throwing hand. Medical staff quickly reset the finger, but the discomfort forced Richardson out of the game early, cutting short his ongoing battle for the starting job against veteran Daniel Jones.
“It was strange,” Richardson later said. “He hit me, I made sure I had the ball, and then I looked down—my finger was pointing in another direction. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but nope, it was definitely like that.”
Despite some swelling and tenderness, the 22-year-old signal caller expressed optimism about his recovery, adding, “It might be worse in the morning, but I’ll be fine.”
Richardson’s night ended after just three pass attempts—two completions for 21 yards—robbing him of the chance to build on the promising work he had shown in training camp and a strong joint practice earlier in the week. Coach Shane Steichen had intended to give him most of the first-half reps before turning to Jones, who is slated for extended action in next week’s preseason matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Now, with Richardson’s availability uncertain, Steichen may adjust that plan.
Ojabo’s blitz caught Richardson off guard. The play had only a five-man protection, leaving no tight end or running back to block, and Richardson admitted he should have recognized the defensive setup. Initially, he thought the pressure would come from the nickel corner, but it arrived from the opposite side.
After the injury, he tested his grip and throwing motion but felt limited. “I just wanted to make sure I could throw,” he said. “I could a little, but not at my best.”
Richardson’s durability has been a concern since last season, when injuries sidelined him for 13 games, including a season-ending shoulder surgery. Earlier in his career, he also missed multiple games due to injury and was briefly benched. Those setbacks played a role in the Colts acquiring Jones in the offseason.
Adding to the team’s woes, rookie cornerback Justin Walley—a third-round pick who had impressed during camp—was confirmed to have suffered a torn ACL in practice on Tuesday. The injury, which ends his season, is a major blow to the Colts’ already thin secondary.
“A huge loss,” Steichen said. “He was having an outstanding camp—sticky in coverage, making plays all over the field. Just an unfortunate situation.”
Update on his injury
The Indianapolis Colts had a nervous moment in Friday’s preseason clash when presumed starting quarterback Anthony Richardson was forced out of the game after a heavy hit from Baltimore Ravens defender David Ojabo.
The blow was significant enough for Richardson to be sidelined, and initial reports confirmed a finger injury. The concern was high, given that the 22-year-old is in the midst of a heated quarterback competition with veteran Daniel Jones.
However, there’s good news for Colts fans. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, all of Richardson’s X-rays came back clean, and he is expected to return to practice in the coming days.
This update is a relief for both the team and Richardson, whose availability in the preseason remains key to determining the Colts’ Week 1 starter.