Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is still working his way back from an oblique injury that he suffered early in the team’s eventual Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Since then, Richardson has practiced all four possible days but has done so in a limited capacity each day and would miss the Colts’ matchup this past Sunday with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Richardson said he is feeling good, but when it comes to getting back on the practice field in a full capacity and being available on Sunday, James Boyd of The Athletic asked Richardson on Wednesday, what boxes he still needs to check:
“Just making sure I can do what I do on the field,” Richardson said. “Making sure I’m putting myself in the best position, putting the team in the best position. Try not to force anything. Try not to rush anything. If I’m not 100 percent, I’m not 100 percent, but it is what it is. I’m going to try to be the best version of myself.”
This aligns with the report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler from last weekend, where he mentioned that there isn’t a long-term concern around Richardson’s injury, but it comes down to “functionality,” as Fowler put it. Can Richardson go out there and be Anthony Richardson?
Being 100 percent also isn’t a part of this equation for Richardson either. Again, it’s about how he feels and if he and the team believes he can execute his role.
“Oh yeah, for sure,” said Richardson when asked if he could play without being 100 percent. “I really think it’s all up to feel. I’m pretty sure my body’s not 100% because (from) Week 1, your body’s gonna keep going down, down, down, because it’s taking hits. But if I’m feeling good, I’mma go out there.”
Whether it’s Richardson or Joe Flacco under center this week, the Colts’ passing game is facing a stingy and aggressive Tennessee Titans’ defense.
This is a physical group that is very willing to blitz the quarterback and is allowing just 5.0 yards per pass attempt, the second-lowest rate in football, and has been one of best at limiting explosive pass plays–as that figure reflects.
Richardson’s arm talent coupled with his ability as a ball carrier is what makes him such a dynamic talent at the position. Asking him not to run takes a lot away from the gameplan and the offense’s ability to really stress opposing defenses.
But with that said, there’s a balance to this as well, because obviously the Colts and Richardson want to make sure he stays healthy and on the field.
“Whatever I gotta do to take care of myself,” said Richardson when asked if he would slide more. “If that’s sliding, diving to get down or running out of bounds — whatever I gotta do to stay on the field for my teammates, I’mma do it.“