(Indianapolis) Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay believes rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson could require season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.
Irsay told ESPN that Richardson and the Colts medical staff are still evaluating options to heal the rookie quarterback’s sprained acromioclavicular joint. However, a final decision has not been made.
“It’s very likely he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the year,” Irsay said. It’s not definitive, but he will probably miss the rest of the year and we will have to deal with that situation. »
Head coach Shane Steichen wouldn’t speculate on which path Richardson and the Colts (3-3) would take.
Steichen instead said discussions were ongoing as team officials continued to gather information about the injury and any potential treatments, including season-ending surgery.
Steichen, like Irsay, also recognized that the long-term health of Richardson and the long-term future of the organization would also be key factors in the decision-making process.
“Obviously we want to do what’s best for him and for this organization,” Steichen said. As I said, we will make that decision when the time comes. »
Richardson missed his second game Sunday in Jacksonville. He still traveled with the team and wore a sling to support his right shoulder as he watched the Colts lose from the sidelines.
Richardson was injured at the end of a short run in the first half against the Tennessee Titans the previous week. After falling bizarrely, he remained on the ground for several minutes before slowly retreating toward the Colts’ medical tent. Richardson did not return to action in the 23-16 victory and was placed on injured reserve for at least four weeks last week.
The Colts selected Richardson 4th overall in the last NFL Draft and he was off to a promising start. He had thrown three touchdown passes and an interception while amassing 577 air yards. He also carried the ball 25 times for 136 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to have a rushing touchdown in each of his first three NFL games.
