Colts' Shane Steichen Provides Update on QB Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen updated the status of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson ahead of Week 3.

Gardner Minshew will remain behind center for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters in his press conference Friday that rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will not play on Sunday.

In addition to Richardson, center Ryan Kelly will also not play, according to Steichen. Both players are dealing with concussions and have not cleared the NFL's concussion protocol.

#Colts HC Shane Steichen says rookie QB Anthony Richardson (concussion) and C Ryan Kelly (concussion) will not play Sunday at Baltimore.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 22, 2023

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Although Minshew making his first start for the Colts wasn't official until Steichen ruled out Richardson on Friday, it doesn't come as a major surprise. 

Steichen told reporters on Wednesday that Richardson was in the concussion protocol. The same day, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted about the possibility of Richardson not being able to play.

#Colts coach Shane Steichen tells reporters that QB Anthony Richardson is in the concussion protocol and won't practice today, which means it may be Gardner Minshew on Sunday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023

Without Richardson, the Colts will lose the team's dual-threat ability behind center. Although Minshew is a solid backup, he doesn't have the same athleticism as the rookie signal caller.

In just two games, Richardson already has three rushing touchdowns.

NFL fans lose out as well with Richardson sidelined. With the Colts visiting the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts-Ravens matchup was supposed to feature Richardson and 2019 MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.

If Richardson develops into a franchise quarterback, many analysts expect him to be the next Jackson.

Instead of a Richardson-Jackson showdown, Minshew will start at quarterback for the Colts. He has registered an 8-16 record, including 1-3 as a backup starting in place of his team's injured regular starting signal caller.

Last year, Minshew started two games for the Philadelphia Eagles and lost both games.

However, in relief of Richardson last week, Minshew completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Richardson exited the game after banging his head on his second rushing touchdown.

In 34 NFL appearances, Minshew has completed 63.2% of his passes for an average of 7.1 yards per attempt. He's also posted 45 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

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