Former Gators, Colts QB Anthony Richardson to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Former Florida Gators quarterback and Indianapolis Colts first-round 2023 NFL Draft selection Anthony Richardson will undergo surgery to address the Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, the team announced on Wednesday.
The impending procedure will effectively end his rookie campaign.
"After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season," said Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay.
Richardson, donning a shoulder sling, appeared on the Colts sideline in Jacksonville for the squad's Week 6 bout with the Jaguars on Sunday, providing support as he and the franchise sought several professional opinions regarding the steps forward for his long-term health, according to Irsay. Ultimately, they ruled it was in the best interest of both parties to shut him down for the remainder of the 2023 season.
"Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our team," Irsay continued. "We anticipate a full recovery and there is no doubt Anthony has a promising future."
Richardson suffered the hurt in Week 5 after being brought down by Tennessee Titans defenders Harold Landry III and Sean Murphy-Bunting on a read option run to the right by the 6-foot-4, 244-pound dual-threat quarterback.
The Gainesville, Fla., native has dealt with several injuries throughout his collegiate and professional career since 2021.
His hurts while donning orange and blue threads — notably including a torn meniscus and concussion — provoked questions regarding his durability for the next level. However, the elite athleticism, intangibles and skill set upside outweighed his injury-prone nature, resulting in his top-five selection.
In four games started this year, also missing the Colts Week 3 contest against Baltimore with a concussion, Richardson proved worthy of the No. 4 overall pick as he accounted for 577 yards and three scores through the air with just one interception. He added 136 yards and four scores on the ground.
Indianapolis will move forward with veteran Gardner Minshew as its starting signal caller for the remainder of the 2023 season.
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