INDIANAPOLIS – The getaway day was short and unfolded under blue skies.
But it wasn’t uneventful. It never is when the health of the franchise quarterback is in question.
The Indianapolis Colts’ three-day mandatory minicamp ended Thursday with linebacker E.J. Speed winning a competition by drilling a blocking dummy perched on a moving cart with a left-handed pass.
Anthony Richardson could relate.
Any pass the most consequential player on the roster delivered was with his left hand. There were two, maybe three.
Richardson experienced soreness in his surgically-repaired right shoulder during Wednesday’s practice and was kept from throwing Thursday.
Coach Shane Steichen insisted the team has monitored the status of Richardson’s shoulder since the offseason program began in mid-April.
Holding him out of Thursday’s work was a “precaution.’’
“Rest assured if we played on Sunday, he’d be starting,’’ Steichen said. “He just had some soreness in his arm . . . just held him out.’’
During Thursday’s abbreviated 40-minute session, Richardson went through positional drills with backup Joe Flacco and the other quarterbacks. On a drill that focused on precise footwork in the pocket, Richardson held the football in his right hand and patted it with his left and he looked upfield.
He then switched hands and casually flipped the ball with his left hand.
After practice, Richardson did his best to calm anyone’s – everyone’s – concerns.
“I’m good,’’ he said with his infectious smile. “Just a little soreness. I’ve been dealing with soreness since I started throwing. Just my shoulder.
“It’s hard listening to the trainers. Sometimes it’s like, ‘Nah, you’ve gotta sit out for a day.’ I don’t want to sit out, but it’s part of the health journey. I’m just rockin’ with them and just listening.’’
In response to experiencing pain in his shoulder, Richardson met with the medical staff Thursday morning. He seemed to indicate an MRI was not involved.
“Went in there this morning and they looked at it and asked me how I’m feeling and moved my shoulder,’’ he said.
Richardson sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder Oct. 8 against the Tennessee Titans and underwent surgery in Los Angeles on Oct. 24. His extensive rehab allowed him to begin throwing Feb. 13 in Jacksonville.
Richardson revealed the team’s soft timeline had him at full-go for the start of training camp in late July.
But he always has pushed the issue, which means some level of soreness in the shoulder was anticipated.
“Oh yeah,’’ Richardson said. “We’re actually surprised it’s only been one day like this. Everything’s been smooth sailing so far, and luckily it was the last day.
“We’re not worried about it and just trying to keep it going. Nothing to worry about. Dealt with this before. Normally just ice up and go back at it again.
“I’ve got six weeks to keep practicing and keep throwing and get my shoulder healthy.’’
Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and the medical/training staff have devised a plan for Richardson to guide him through the next six weeks. Players report for training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield in late July.
Last summer, Richardson and many of the team’s skill players met in Florida.
In the coming weeks, they’ll gather again either in Florida – Richardson’s home base – or California – Michael Pittman Jr.’s preference.
“That’s kind of a mandatory second minicamp for us just to get back in the groove before training camp starts,’’ Richardson said.
The preoccupation with Richardson’s health is understandable.
Remember Peyton Manning’s neck surgeries that led to his release following the 2011 season?
Remember Andrew Luck’s right shoulder/calf/ankle issues that resulted in his abrupt retirement in August 2019?
Richardson smiled.
“Yeah, yeah, for sure. I heard about that,’’ he said. “There’s nothing to worry about.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.