Report: Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson 'strongly' considering season-ending shoulder surgery

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is strongly considering undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery on his damaged AC joint.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, a season-ending procedure is deemed by “some” to be the best course of action to fully heal his right throwing shoulder. Richardson recently underwent an MRI, which revealed the labrum in his right shoulder is not torn. The ligaments look “better than expected.”

Richardson, the 2023 fourth overall pick out of Florida, suffered the AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder in the 23-16 Week 5 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Colts placed him on injured reserve Wednesday, knocking him out for at least four games. In four games this season, Richardson threw for 577 yards with three touchdowns and one interception on 59.5% passing. He added 136 yards and four scores on the ground. Richardson missed the Week 3 contest against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion.

Colts turn to veteran QB in place of Anthony Richardson

Gardner Minshew replaced Richardson against Tennessee, completing 11-of-14 passes for 155 yards. Minshew got the start in Week 3 against the Ravens, leading the Colts to a 22-19 overtime victory. With Richardson sidelined for the foreseeable future, it’ll be Minshew’s team moving forward — starting with the Week 6 road tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday.

“He’s an elite processor of the game, and when you’ve got a guy that can process the game quickly and make quick decisions,” head coach Shane Steichen said after the Week 5 win, via the team’s website. “He’s really good, he’s accurate. He knows where to go with the football at the right time and the right place… He’s been awesome for us.”

Minshew has appeared in 37 games (25 starts) in his career, going 9-16. He has thrown for 7,185 yards with 46 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on 63.3% passing. Minshew said this week he’s “grateful” for another opportunity to start in the NFL.

“I’m grateful for every opportunity I get,” Minshew said. “Grateful for coach [Steichen] for bringing me here, grateful for the team for letting me do my thing, and yeah, just excited to keep moving forward.”