Anthony Richardson Cleared to Return, But Will the Colts Let Him Play?
While all eyes were on the stunning return of 44-year-old Philip Rivers under center for the Colts, a quieter but equally significant development happened behind the scenes: third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. has been medically cleared to resume football activities.
It’s a major step forward for the 23-year-old, who’s had a rollercoaster ride since entering the league. Richardson opened the year in a quarterback competition with Daniel Jones, but ultimately lost the starting job before the regular season began. His 2025 campaign barely got off the ground-he attempted just two passes before suffering a freak orbital fracture during warmups ahead of the Colts’ Week 6 matchup against Arizona.
Now, with the Colts sitting at 8-6 and still in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt, Richardson is back in the fold-at least physically. But the question looming over Indianapolis is this: will we actually see him take a snap before the season ends?
Richardson’s Drive to Return
According to team insiders, Richardson is “champing at the bit” to get back on the field. That’s not surprising.
For a young quarterback who’s already missed 17 regular-season games due to injuries over the last two years, any opportunity to prove he can stay healthy and lead an NFL offense is crucial. He’s itching to remind the Colts-and the rest of the league-why he was once viewed as a franchise cornerstone.
But readiness is a two-way street. While Richardson may be mentally prepared and medically cleared, there are still real concerns about whether he’s physically ready to take the hits that come with live NFL action. He’s been sidelined for months, and this isn’t just a question of rust-it’s about durability and long-term viability.
The Rivers Factor
Of course, complicating everything is the return of Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to give the Colts a veteran presence after Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles tear on Dec. 7. Rivers, who had been coaching high school football, became the oldest quarterback to ever suit up for Indianapolis-and he didn’t exactly look like a guy who’d been away from the game for years.
In his first start back, Rivers completed 18-of-27 passes for 120 yards, a touchdown, and a pick in a narrow 18-16 loss to Seattle. It wasn’t flashy, but it was competent. And with a massive Monday night showdown against the 10-4 49ers looming, the Colts are sticking with the veteran as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
A Week 18 Window?
Here’s where things get interesting. Indianapolis currently trails both the Texans (9-5) and Jaguars (10-4) in the AFC South.
Houston also holds the final AFC wild-card spot, which means the Colts are very much on the outside looking in. If they’re eliminated from playoff contention before their Week 18 game against Houston, that matchup could become a perfect opportunity to give Richardson a start.
It would be a low-risk, high-reward situation-especially if the front office is still trying to evaluate whether Richardson can be the long-term answer. He’s had flashes of brilliance, but the injuries and last season’s brief benching (after he pulled himself from a game due to fatigue) have clouded his future.
What’s at Stake
If the Colts choose to keep Richardson on the sideline in Week 18-even if the game is meaningless in the standings-it might speak volumes about how the organization views his future. It could signal a shift in direction, especially with the possibility of retaining Jones via the franchise or transition tag in 2026.
But if they do give Richardson the ball, it’s a chance to reset the narrative. A strong showing, even in a single game, could reestablish his place in the quarterback conversation heading into the offseason.
For now, all we know is this: Anthony Richardson is cleared, he’s motivated, and he wants to play. Whether the Colts give him that chance could tell us everything we need to know about their plans for the position moving forward.