Andrew Luck’s past influences drawing ‘the reins’ on Anthony Richardson’s restoration said Chris Ballard

admin | February 29, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Anthony Richardson’s rehab from a season-ending shoulder injury in October is progressing well, with him starting to throw the ball again.

In December, Richardson stated that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery. However, at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Chris Ballard stated that the club wants to “pull the reins” on Richardson, citing Andrew Luck’s experience in rushing back from a shoulder injury.

“Really happy about where he’s at,” Ballard said of Richardson. “He started throwing and is now on a rehabilitation program. We’re not going to, like, I mean, I lived through the first one. And I learnt a lot of lessons from going through the last one, so forgive me for being a little cautious, but, you know.

“I know Anthony has mentioned the importance of being ahead of schedule. Well, we’re here to draw the reins and make sure we don’t go ahead of ourselves and stick to what the physicians say. But he’s in good shape, he’s throwing, he has a terrific throwing program, and good people working with him, so I’m optimistic about where he is and where he’s heading, and we’ll take it from there.”

Luck had a shoulder injury, missed a complete season, returned for one season, then retired before the 2019 season.

The injuries suffered by Luck and Richardson are not identical, and the new Colt is still in the early phases of his professional career. Still, Ballard’s experience living through the Luck catastrophe is instructive. Richardson has little motivation to push it at this point in the schedule.

The primary priority is to get Richardson back on the pitch this season. Maintaining his health is the long-term goal. In four starts as a rookie, Richardson demonstrated exceptional talents, was a better processor and passer than expected coming out of college, and used his legs effectively. He has the potential to be a great playmaker beneath center if he stays healthy.

Ballard stated that it is up to the team to provide Richardson with the necessary support to progress in Year 2.

“You want to give him as much as you can to be successful,” Ballard went on to say. “What you want, I believe, is to ensure that he is safeguarded. I believe you understand my position on that. You must ensure that your quarterback, particularly a young quarterback, is adequately safeguarded. Then you need to surround him with enough good players to ensure his success. Each year is unique, whether it’s through free agency or the draft.

One storyline moving into the season will be whether head coach Shane Steichen changes the approach at all, reducing the designed runs in an effort to keep the quarterback healthy while not fully limiting a dynamic player.