(Indianapolis) Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will have shoulder surgery and his season will be over, head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday.
Steichen said the team consulted with several doctors and the decision to undergo surgery was undoubtedly the best option for the former University of Florida Gators star’s long-term health.
Richardson, the fourth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, suffered a sprained acromioclavicular joint late in a short drive against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 8. The Colts (3-3), without Richardson, will have to turn to veteran Gardner Minshew to lead their attack. They will host the Cleveland Browns (3-2) on Sunday.
Richardson was injured after falling unusually to the ground. He lay on the ground for several minutes before slowly retreating toward the Colts’ medical tent. Richardson did not return for the 23-16 victory and was placed on injured reserve for at least four weeks last week.
The six-foot-four, 244-pound quarterback was slowed by injuries in his first season in the NFL.
He missed the final minute of the Colts’ opening game with a bruised knee and an inflamed ankle, left the next game against the Houston Texas with a concussion. occurred in the first half. Richardson also missed the next game while still undergoing concussion testing. Then, a week after returning to play and completing his first NFL game, he injured his shoulder.
Richardson had a promising start. He threw three touchdown passes and an interception while amassing 577 yards through the air in four games. He also carried the ball 25 times for 136 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in the modern era to have a rushing touchdown in each of his first three NFL games.