2 min read • February 13, 2024
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared to throw, putting him on track for a return well ahead of training camp for the 2024 season, according to our panel of doctors.
In a short video released Tuesday by Richardson’s agent Deiric Jackson, the 2023 No. 4 overall pick takes a few steps back and releases an easy throw.
This marks a significant milestone in his recovery from the right shoulder surgery he underwent on Oct. 24 to repair a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder.
Not all AC joint sprains require surgery, but Richardson’s was severe enough that he would have had a shoulder deformity if he opted to play through without surgery.
It’s unlikely the deformity would have affected his throwing motion, but surgery is ultimately better for his long-term health and recovery is reliable.
Many players have returned from Grade 3 AC joint separations without negative effects, including Keenan Allen and Russell Wilson.
Richardson suffered the injury during Week 5 when he was landed on by Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry III. He exited the game and immediately went to the locker room, where X-rays were negative for a fracture, but a subsequent MRI revealed the Grade 3 AC joint sprain.
He also missed Week 3 after suffering a concussion in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.
In college at the University of Florida, he missed two games after suffering a right hamstring strain in September 2021 and missed the rest of his season after he tore the meniscus in his right knee in late November 2021.
In four starts, Richardson was a combined 50 for 84 (59.5%) for 577 yards with 3 passing touchdowns and 1 interception. He also rushed 25 times for 136 yards and 4 touchdowns.
His best statistical performance came in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he was 24 for 37 (64.9%) for 223 yards with 1 passing touchdown and an interception. He also had 10 rushes for 40 yards and a rushing touchdown in the 31-21 loss.
In 13 starts for the Colts with Richardson out, 27-year-old Gardner Minshew completed 62.2% of his passes for 3,305 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Minshew also rushed 34 times for 100 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
The former sixth round pick was elected to his first Pro Bowl as a replacement player. Now a free agent, Minshew had joined the Colts on a one year deal for less than $3 million. Although, he earned an extra $2 million in incentives after playing at least 60% of the Colts’ offensive snaps.
Sam Ehlinger is the only other quarterback currently on the active roster.
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