A rookie quarterback can be the biggest NBA wild card, especially in their first career start. But Anthony Richardson showed up surprisingly well for the Indianapolis Colts in his pro debut. The Jacksonville Jaguars came away with a 31-21 win but Richardson completed 24-of-37 for 223 yards, throwing a touchdown and a pick and adding another 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
There were plenty of rough edges to sand down for the future, especially a limited number of attempts to chase big plays in the air and stretch the field. Still, producing two touchdowns and nearly 300 yards of offense with just a single turnover (a fourth-quarter interception) was a very positive start for Richardson.
However, he left the game late because of pain in his knee and ankle and the Colts entered the week with questions about how ready he would be for Week 2's game against the Texans.
Colts injury update: Anthony Richardson is good to go for Week 2
Richardson wasn't listed on the Colts Wednesday injury report and was reportedly on the field for practice. On Monday, Richardson talked briefly about the pain he had experienced, saying, "As a quarterback in this league you do have to protect yourself a lot if you want to stay in this league. I woke up (Monday) with some feelings I've never felt before. Some of the vets were like, 'Welcome to the league, rook. That's how it's going to be.'"
It sounds like the pain that took him out of the game was not for any specific injuries and all signs are that he will be back on the field and starting against the Texans and fellow rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
If Richardson is unable to go for some reason, or has to leave the game again, veteran Gardner Minshew would be his replacement.
