Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is expected to miss the rest of the 2023 season with the possibility of undergoing surgery in the next week or so because of an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, owner Jim Irsay told ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
It was reported over the weekend that Richardson was heavily considering season-ending surgery, so the latest report doesn’t really change much, but Irsay did mention they would try to get the surgery done in the next week or so.
“There’s debate going, but it’s probably going to lead toward surgery in the next week or so,” Irsay said via ESPN. “We’re just trying to figure out exactly how and when and what we want to do and what Anthony wants to do.”
Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder during the Week 5 win over the Tennessee Titans. Further tests revealed it was a Grade 3 sprain, and while that doesn’t necessarily require surgery, sometimes it’s better for the long-term prognosis.
Irsay also told ESPN that no decision has officially been made yet, but that the likely outcome is he misses the remainder of the season.
“The most likelihood is he’s probably going to be gone for the year,” Irsay said. “I mean, it’s not definite, but [he] probably misses this year and we’re going to have to contend with that factor.”
Holder also reported Irsay said that the final decision comes down to the rookie quarterback. What he ultimately wants to do will be the decision the team follows, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team opt to go with the cautious direction.
It’s a tough way to end Richardson’s rookie season, which was filled with so much promise, but the Colts certainly will keep his long-term health as the priority.
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