Colts' Anthony Richardson Provides Update After Surgery

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson elaborated on the surgery he had earlier this week and what he is learning early in training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts social media team sent fans into a frenzy Monday morning by starting a tweet with, "Anthony Richardson had a procedure..."

What!? First, the Jonathan Taylor saga, and now this!?

But reading further, it turns out fans had nothing to worry about.

"Anthony Richardson had a procedure on his nose yesterday to correct his nasal septum," the Colts' official Twitter account said on Monday. "He will miss practice today and depending on how he feels we expect him to return tomorrow."

Anthony Richardson had a procedure on his nose yesterday to correct his nasal septum. He will miss practice today and depending on how he feels we expect him to return tomorrow.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 31, 2023

Richardson did miss practice on Monday but was back on the field Tuesday as the Colts were in full pads for the first time in training camp. Checking in with Richardson afterward, the surgery was a success.

“It’s all right. I can breathe now," Richardson revealed. "Just a little bit of pressure in the middle of my forehead, but that really wasn’t stopping anything. My breathing was still fine but just correcting some stuff just to get better.”

While Richardson did not suffer an injury to cause the issue with his nasal septum, the Colts' medical staff agreed that he should get this taken care of so it does not get worse during the season. One day out, and Richardson was right back into the action.

Although he did not practice on Monday, it was not a day off for Richardson. The rookie quarterback stood next to quarterbacks coach Cam Turner, discussing what was happening on the field. As Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger took their reps, Richardson was behind them, going through the same motions. If he was not going to get live reps, Richardson would get as many mental reps as possible.

© Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

“I always learned back at Florida that mental reps also matter," Richardson noted. "In this league, you don’t really get a lot of reps because practice goes by like that, but mental reps also matter. So even if I wasn’t out there with my helmet on, pads on yesterday throwing with the guys, I was trying to make sure I was getting mental reps because I knew I was going to be able to come out there and practice today. So, just trying to make sure I’m up to par with certain things just getting mental reps daily.”

Richardson returned to the practice field just in time to experience his first fully-padded practice. When the pads go on, the intensity ratchets up. Guys fly around the field faster, and you have to be prepared for anything.

“It’s definitely different," Richardson admitted. "Different from every level. You’re playing against the best of the best. Regardless of what group you’re going with, everybody is out there working. It’s just a matter of getting the momentum down pat and staying locked in mentally. You can have ups and downs, but it’s just a matter of keeping your head cool, calm and collected and just making plays.”

Richardson had his most inconsistent practice of camp on Tuesday. Taking all of the first-team reps, Richardson was 5-of-13 (38.5%) passing on the day and showed some moments of inaccuracy. The timing between Richardson and his receivers seemed off, leading to misses and miscommunications.

The Colts focused much of their time in the short red zone when the field is as tight as it will get. The margin for error is minuscule in that area of the field, and the windows to get the ball to the receivers are much smaller and close much quicker. Richardson was seen throwing the ball through the back of the end zone at times when nothing was there. It is all about being smart with the football.

“When it comes to guys being open, it’s a tough league," he explained. "The windows are definitely a lot smaller, but it’s just a matter of knowing when to throw it and when not to – not forcing it because if it’s first and second down in the red zone or goal line, then you have a chance for the next play instead of trying to force it and be Superman and make something work when there is really nothing there.”

Head coach Shane Steichen has had a very hands-on approach with Richardson throughout the start of training camp. Part of that coaching has included when to take chances with the football and when it is okay to force the issue. Timing and circumstance are everything.

"Just be smart," Steichen said about his rookie quarterback. "You’re down in there tight, obviously. If it’s not a got-to-have-it situation, let’s be smart and let’s secure the points in that situation. The defense did a good job of covering it up and he threw it away.”

© Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

While Richardson did not have the cleanest day at practice, it was not all bad. Richardson had a very nice throw to Michael Pittman Jr. on a deep crosser resulting in a 30-yard completion. The accuracy Richardson is displaying on deep throws continues to shine each day.

“I think he missed a few but he made some really good throws," Steichen admitted. "Just be consistent, we’ve got to look at the tape and clean up some things, but I thought he had a solid day.”

Ups and downs are to be expected with Richardson. The rookie has only participated in four training camp practices in his young career. It will take time to fully adjust to the speed of the game and get the timing down with his receivers.

The next challenge for Richardson will be how he responds after an inconsistent day. Bad days happen to everyone, especially rookies in the NFL. Successful rookies are the ones who can learn from their bad days and rebound positively.

“Just making sure I’m doing my job the best way I can regardless if I’m going with the first group, second group or third group," Richardson said. "Everybody is on the team for a reason, everybody is working. So, just a matter of me executing the right way and pushing my teammates to be better.”

So you can relax, Colts fans. The procedure went well, Richardson can breathe, and he is working toward being the best quarterback he can be.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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