INDIANAPOLIS – It’s anyone’s guess whether Anthony Richardson is officially ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation from October shoulder surgery, but he’s on the only schedule that really matters.
The player who holds the future of the Indianapolis Colts in his right hand is expected to be ready when offseason workouts begin next month.
“I think he’ll be good to go for spring practice,’’ coach Shane Steichen told the media Monday at the owners’ meetings in Orlando, Fla.
And there was this comment to Colts.com: “I like where he’s at. He’s progressing really, really well. He’s just getting better and better. Looking forward to that spring with him.’’
The Colts ended their persistent quarterback carousel in last April’s draft when they selected Richardson, an electric quarterback out of Florida, with the No. 4 overall pick.
However, Richardson’s rookie season ended when he suffered a grade-3 sprain to his right (throwing) shoulder Oct. 8 in week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. Richardson was placed on the injured reserve list Oct. 11 and underwent season-ending surgery Oct. 24 in Los Angeles.
Richardson’s eagerness to return was clear when he met with the media in early January. He admitted his was supposed to start throwing in February.
“Whenever that day does come,’’ he said, “I’ll be trying to light it up.’’
The team has been hesitant to place a firm timeframe for Richardson’s return, but his representatives posted a video Feb. 13 of him causally throwing in Jacksonville.
Another un-medical update was offered over the weekend when Richardson was at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to support his Florida Gators in the NCAA tournament. Video was posted on social media of him wind-milling his right arm.
Range of motion? Check.
What matters, of course, is the depth of his throwing and maintaining the proper techniques following surgery.
When Richardson joins his teammates for on-field work at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, he’ll be closely monitored.
“Obviously, we’ve got to limit it and monitor it and don’t go overboard,’’ Steichen said. “But I can’t be more excited to get him back going again.
“His limited sample size that he had in those first five weeks were impressive. I mean, he made some plays that I’ve never seen guys make.’’
Richardson started just four games. He missed the Colts’ week 3 trip to Baltimore – a 22-19 overtime win behind backup Gardner Minshew II – after sustaining a concussion at Houston and missed the final 12 games with the shoulder injury.
That “limited sample size” consisted of completing 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. But he also ended up as the Colts’ fourth-leading rusher – despite missing 13 games – with 136 yards and four TDs.
Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard have spoken openly about the need to add more explosiveness on offense, and the return of Richardson should address a part of that.
Ballard admitted Richardson “surprised me’’ with his throwing prowess. Richardson’s accuracy occasionally was erratic, but he was decisive and displayed a strong arm.
“I was concerned about it, but this guy is a passer,’’ Ballard said in January. “I mean, this guy is a legitimate passer . . . he’s going to continue to get better and improve the more he plays.’’
Richardson’s threat as a runner was evident from the outset. Four of his 25 rushing attempts gained at least 12 yards, including 18- and 15-yard TDs at Houston.
“We knew what he was capable of when we drafted him,’’ Steichen said earlier this year.
There’s no overstating the value of Richardson being available during the offseason work. That’s when he can further advance in Steichen’s offense and work with a supporting cast that includes wideouts Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, and running back Jonathan Taylor.
Any chance of Pittman skipping a portion of the Colts’ voluntary work was erased when they signed him to a three-year, $70 million contract to replace the franchise tag.
And every practice snap Richardson gets with Taylor is invaluable. They were on the field for just one play in 2023 because of Taylor’s prolonged rehab from ankle surgery and his contract issues, and Richardson’s shoulder injury.
That one play: a 3-yard run against Tennessee.
“Looking forward to the spring with (Taylor), the training camp and obviously the season with him and Anthony in the backfield,’’ Steichen said. “Couldn’t be more fired up about that.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @mchappell51.