Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson Out for Season with Shoulder Injury
Posted on: October 17, 2023, 09:39h.
Last updated on: October 17, 2023, 09:39h.
According to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is expected to miss the rest of the regular season due to a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew will take over as the starter.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Irsay indicated that Richardson will likely undergo surgery in the near future.
“There’s debate going, but it’s probably going to lead toward surgery in the next week or so,” said Irsay. “We’re just trying to figure out exactly how and when and what we want to do and what Anthony wants to do.”
Richardson injured his right shoulder, which is also his throwing arm, in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. He sprained the AC joint.
Richardson’s Injury Woes Continue
The Indianapolis Colts drafted Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite only starting one full season at the University of Florida, scouts believed Richardson was the most athletic quarterback among the top prospects in his class.
While Richardson has battled injuries throughout the season, the other two quarterbacks taken early in the draft have had different experiences. Bryce Young, the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers, has struggled and dealt with injuries. Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud, selected second overall by the Houston Texans, has thrived and is a top contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Richardson started four games for the Colts but was unable to finish three of them due to injuries. Minshew has stepped in as his replacement on three occasions.
Minshew previously served as a backup for the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Colts under coach Shane Steichen, who had previously worked with Minshew in Philadelphia. Minshew was expected to compete for the starting quarterback job, but Richardson’s strong preseason performance earned him the starting role.
As the Colts battle for the AFC South title, Minshew will take on the role of starting quarterback. In his two starts this season, he has completed 65.2% of his passes for three touchdowns and three interceptions. Despite a loss against the Jaguars, Minshew has found success connecting with wide receiver Michael Pittman.
AFC South Overview and Betting Odds
The Jacksonville Jaguars currently lead the AFC South with a 4-2 record, followed by the Colts and Houston Texans at 2-2. The Tennessee Titans are in last place with a 2-4 record. The Jaguars are favored to win the AFC South with odds of -120, while the Texans and Colts follow with +260 and +650 odds, respectively.
Prior to the season, the Colts had a projected win total of 6.5. After six weeks, oddsmakers have adjusted the Colts’ win total to 7.5. They are listed at +265 odds to make the playoffs, but -350 odds to miss them. In terms of winning Super Bowl LVIII, the Colts are deemed underdogs with odds of +15000.
In Week 7, the Colts will play as +2 underdogs against the Cleveland Browns. The Colts have a 3-3 record against the spread this season, while the Browns have a 3-2 ATS record.