The Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he returned their favor by being a reliable troop on the offensive line. After earning the accolade of becoming the first quarterback ever to rush for a touchdown in each of his first three games, he was expecting to have a fabulous rookie season.
However, Richardson’s hope remained a daydream following his AC joint sprain in Indianapolis’ Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 8. The signal-caller is set to miss the entire season due to a season-ending surgery, and a famous NFL analyst has drawn a likely picture of the rookie club following his latest injury update.
What does Anthony Richardson’s ‘season-ending’ surgery mean for NFL’s rookie QB class?
In the recent episode of “The Rich Eisen Show, Rich shed light on Richardson’s season-ending shoulder surgery and what it means for the Houston Texans’ CJ Stroud, and Carolina Panthers Bryce Young, who is still waiting for his first win in the NFL. He also discussed this year’s crop of rookie quarterbacks.
” I think there is one thing that we know have for certain. Unfortunately for Anthony Richardson.. Um and unfortunately as Bryce Young is still searching for his first win as a National Football League professional quarterback.”
The veteran continued his discussion by talking about the draft’s picture and later weighed in on the question, “Which quarterback in the rookie class would be best in his rookie season?” He said Bryce has already been knocked off the list, given the Panthers’ poor 0-6 mark till week 6.
Eisen then moves towards Richardson, saying he undoubtedly has a promising future, but he is done for the season following the season-ending surgery, as declared by the Colts team. He also mentioned former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck’s struggle with the shoulder injury while saying how the league has become more physical lately.
The sports commentator said Stroud is on the run to overshadow the other two rookie stars while citing the young star as his favorite Ohio State QB of all time. He also mentioned the Texans, who are on the bye week, can beat the top team of the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it would once again solidify Stroud’s dominance in the rookie club.
Anthony Richardson to undergo ‘season-ending’ surgery
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport earlier said that Richardson and the Colts team reached multiple opinions in deciding the potential approach to his recovery, while adding that season-ending surgery would be the most obvious decision. Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay confirmed the worst news, saying the decision was taken after having a consultation with the QB and medical staff.
“After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season. Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our team,” he said via the Pacific Daily News.
Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/O1ho9XWUDf
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2023
The dual-threat also sustained a concussion in the Week 2 match against the Houston Texans and missed the next game due to being under the league’s concussion protocol. He also missed the final snap of Indianapolis’ Week 1 matchup due to a bruised knee and sore ankle. Hence, the team can’t take risks anymore, and Irsay said the decision was taken for the young star’s long-term wellbeing.
“We collected several medical opinions and we felt this was the best course of action for his long-term health. We anticipate a full recovery and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future.”
Besides earning high praise from the New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Richardson has been incredible on the O-line. He showcased the potential to be a long-time franchise QB by completing 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards and also recorded three touchdowns and one interception in just four matches while rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns
What’s your take on Richardson’s recent injury update? Tell us in the comments.
