Report: Colts' QB 'Strongly Considering' Season-Ending Surgery

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson may have played his last game of the 2023 season.

While we all knew it was a possibility, it is looking likely that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson may be done for the season.

On Sunday morning, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Colts and Richardson are strongly considering season-ending surgery on the quarterback's sprained AC joint. Richardson suffered the injury during the second quarter of last week's win over the Tennessee Titans.

The #Colts may have to wait until 2024 to see more of QB Anthony Richardson. Sources say season-ending surgery is being strongly considered, perhaps the best option to fix his shoulder long-term.

My story: https://t.co/jVgl25f9KY

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2023

The initial diagnosis for Richardson was a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. The Colts and Richardson have reached out to multiple specialists to gather as many opinions and information as possible on the severity of the injury and the best course of action. While a determination of surgery has not been made yet, it seems the Colts are leaning toward shutting down their incredibly talented quarterback for the rest of his rookie season.

When asked this week about whether a decision had been made on Richardson undergoing surgery, head coach Shane Steichen revealed the team had not come to a conclusion yet.

“We haven’t (made a decision)," Steichen said. "Obviously, we want to do the best thing for him. Still relying on the doctors and we’ll make that decision in a little bit.”

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Richardson was off to a stellar start to begin the 2023 season. In four games, Richardson was 50-of-84 (59.9%) for 577 yards and three touchdowns with only one interception. He also contributed 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Richardson is still rehabbing his shoulder, and there is hope that the quarterback can return to 100% without surgery. However, the Colts know how important this decision is and are not willing to sacrifice Richardson's long-term health, even if it means short-term success. The Colts have faith that Gardner Minshew can lead the offense and keep the Colts competitive even if Richardson is lost for the season.

It is encouraging to see the Colts taking into account their young quarterback's long-term health. The Colts do not want to make the same mistakes they made with Andrew Luck. The Colts allowed Luck to play on multiple injuries, and it ultimately led to the superstar quarterback retiring at the young age of 29.

If Richardson does end up having season-ending surgery, it will be another blow to the quarterback saga Colts fans have had to endure since Luck retired. However, surgery may be the best option for Richardson's long-term health, which is the most important piece to ensuring the uber-talented quarterback has a long and successful career in Indy.

And in the end, that is what Richardson and the Colts desperately want to happen.

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