Report: Colts’ Anthony Richardson ‘Expects to Play’ Vs. titans After Oblique Injury

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 11, 2024

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is reportedly trending toward returning to the lineup for his team’s Week 6 game against the Tennessee Titans.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that “Richardson expects to play” as long as there is no “late-week surprise.” The signal-caller exited his team’s Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with an oblique injury and then missed the Week 5 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Joe Flacco played in Richardson’s place and led the Colts to a 27-24 victory over the Steelers with two touchdown passes before doing what he could in the 37-34 loss to the Jaguars.

The veteran went 33-of-44 for 359 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while turning back the clock, although Indianapolis’ defense failed to contain Trevor Lawrence and Co. in the defeat.

It seems like things are trending toward a Richardson return, as ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported he participated in the team’s last three practices and took most of the first-team snaps. Flacco took the first-team snaps last week ahead of the Jaguars games.

Head coach Shane Steichen said the 22-year-old “had huge strides this week, for sure.”

The Colts will need him to play well, as Holder noted star running back Jonathan Taylor will miss the game against the Titans with an ankle injury. What’s more, go-to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is questionable with a back injury, although that is a positive development considering Holder reported the team discussed placing him on injured reserve earlier this week.

Richardson was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft but has struggled to stay healthy to this point. He appeared in just four games last season and is now working his way back from a setback this year.

Remaining healthy and getting more reps is the only way he will realistically take needed strides in the passing game. He has completed 50.6 percent of his passes for 654 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions while adding 141 yards and a score on the ground as a runner.

Indianapolis made him the franchise quarterback when it selected him so early in the draft, and he will now have the opportunity to further prove himself in his second season as he returns to the lineup for a key divisional game.