The Colts are taking a key step toward the future with the decision to designate quarterback Anthony Richardson to return from injured reserve. It’s been a long road back for the 23-year-old signal-caller, who’s been sidelined since mid-October after suffering an orbital fracture just before a game. Now, with the 21-day practice window officially open, Indianapolis has a chance to get their young QB back on the field - at least in a limited capacity for now.
Let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean Richardson is suiting up on Monday night against the 49ers. He won’t be active in Week 16, per the team.
But it does mean he’s back in the mix, getting reps, and starting to re-integrate with the offense. That’s a big deal for a player the Colts have invested heavily in - not just financially, but as the centerpiece of their long-term vision.
Richardson still has some vision limitations stemming from the eye injury, but the Colts are prioritizing his development and comfort in the system. Getting him back into practice, even in a non-game capacity, is a move that speaks to the importance of keeping his growth on track, especially after a rookie year that was cut painfully short.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Richardson came into the league as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft - a raw but electrifying talent who showed flashes of brilliance during his time as Florida’s starting quarterback. The Colts made a bold move by selecting him fourth overall, betting on his upside and trusting their staff to develop his unique skill set.
They backed that up with a four-year, $36.87 million contract, including a hefty $23.8 million signing bonus. That’s franchise quarterback money, and it came with the expectation that Richardson would be the guy to lead this team into a new era. Unfortunately, injuries have interrupted that timeline.
First, it was a shoulder injury that ended his rookie season after just five games. He underwent surgery to repair an AC joint issue - the kind of injury that can linger if not handled properly. Then came the orbital fracture this season, limiting him to just two appearances in 2025, where he completed one of two pass attempts for nine yards.
So yes, the stat sheet is still mostly blank. But this latest move isn’t about numbers - it’s about getting Richardson back into a rhythm, giving him a chance to re-engage with the offense, and laying the groundwork for 2026 and beyond. The Colts still hold a fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which gives them some flexibility, but make no mistake: they want to see what they’ve got in Richardson before that decision rolls around.
For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation. He won’t play this week, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be activated before the 21-day window closes. But the fact that he’s back on the practice field is a sign of progress - and a reminder that, despite the setbacks, the Colts are still all-in on the Anthony Richardson project.