Colts quarterback on track to take part in spring practices

Last month, Anthony Richardson resumed throwing, marking a significant step forward in his rehabilitation.

The Colts quarterback is making progress despite healing from a strained AC joint.

That shoulder issue resulted in season-ending surgery early in Richardson’s first season. He remains the team’s clear-cut starter heading into the 2024 season, however backup Gardner Minshew has been replaced by Joe Flacco. Richardson could return to full speed as early as OTAs.

I think he’ll be good to go for spring practice,” head coach Shane Steichen said, via the Indy Star’s Nate Atkins. “Obviously, we’ve got to limit it and monitor it and don’t go overboard, but I couldn’t be more excited to get him back going again.”

In fact, the squad would be wise to take a cautious approach toward Richardson. The 21-year-old sustained many injuries prior to the AC joint injury, which sidelined him during a season in which he demonstrated flashes of the two-way ability that contributed to his high lottery pick. Richardson, who was selected fourth overall in April, is expected to provide Indianapolis with a long-term contributor at quarterback for the first time since Andrew Luck.

The latter’s untimely retirement in 2019 was the result of many significant injuries, and his absence has proven difficult for Indianapolis to overcome. As a result, it is not surprising that general manager Chris Ballard has repeated Steichen’s desire for a slow rehab approach for Richardson.

“I lived through the last one and I learned a lot of lessons living through the last one. Forgive me for being a little cautious,” Ballard said at the NFL scouting Combine when asked about the Florida product. “I know Anthony has made some statements that it’s important to be ahead of schedule. We’re here to pull the reins to make sure we don’t get too far ahead of schedule and we’re staying with whatever the doctors are telling us.”

The Colts’ OTAs are scheduled for May 21-23 and May 29-31. This will be followed by a mandatory minicamp from June 4 to 6. As things stand, Richardson will be able to participate in those sessions in preparation for training camp this summer.