The Colts just got a bit of clarity at quarterback - and maybe a bit of intrigue too.
Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick and one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in recent memory, has been medically cleared from the orbital fracture that’s kept him out since mid-October. The injury, which occurred in an unusual workout accident involving snapped resistance bands, forced Richardson to the sideline for over two months. But now, he’s inching closer to a return - and the timing couldn’t be more interesting.
The team is reportedly eyeing a return to practice for Richardson in the near future. That opens the door for him to re-enter a Colts quarterback room that’s as unconventional as it is crowded.
At the moment, the group features 44-year-old Philip Rivers - yes, he’s back - and rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard. It’s a depth chart that blends experience, youth, and now, a wild card in Richardson.
Before the injury, there were real questions about whether Richardson would even see the field again this season. Now, not only is he back in the fold, but his presence adds another layer to the Colts’ long-term quarterback plans - especially in light of Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury.
Jones had been trending toward locking down the starting job for the foreseeable future. But with his status up in the air, Richardson suddenly becomes more than just a developmental piece. He could be a legitimate insurance policy heading into 2026 - if he can show the Colts he’s ready to be that guy.
That’s a big “if,” though. Richardson’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth.
After declaring for the draft following his redshirt sophomore season at Florida, he entered the league with sky-high expectations. The Colts bet big on his upside, taking him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and signing him to a four-year, $36.9 million contract that included nearly $24 million in signing bonus money.
They also hold a fifth-year option they’ll have to make a decision on in 2026.
But injuries have been the story so far. His rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury that required surgery to repair his AC joint after just five weeks. In 2025, he’s barely seen the field - appearing in only two games and completing one of two pass attempts for a total of nine yards.
Still, the talent is there. The arm strength, the mobility, the raw physical tools - they’re why Richardson was a top-five pick in the first place.
What he’s lacked is time. Time to develop, time to stay healthy, time to prove he can be more than a project.
Now, with his health trending in the right direction and the Colts’ quarterback situation in flux, Richardson has a window. It’s not wide open, and it’s far from guaranteed. But it’s a shot - and for a player of his potential, that’s all it might take.
Whether he ends up pushing for playing time this season or simply reestablishes himself as a viable option for 2026, Richardson’s return is a development worth watching. The Colts have some big decisions ahead. And Anthony Richardson might just force them to rethink a few of them.