Colts OC discusses Richardson

Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter gave his early impressions of rookie QB Anthony Richardson. “I think he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. Kind of sees and understands what’s going on around him at a pretty high level,” Cooter said. “I’ve been really impressed with him just dealing with him in meeting rooms and different situations that we all encounter each other in. So (he) just has had a good way about him handling this stuff." Cooter believes Richardson’s experience at Florida will prepare him for life in Indianapolis. “Shoot, playing quarterback in the NFL, you’re usually going to have your ups and your downs. You’re usually going to have some criticism and some praise. I think that’s a really good trait to walk in the door with, the ability to handle what’s coming at you and have a good mindset about it, and I think Anthony’s done a nice job of that so far, at least in my eyes.” Richardson remains the favorite to start at least a majority of the games for Indy in 2023. Looking at fantasy PPG, he projects as a fringe top-15 QB.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) "should be" ready for the start of OTAs next month, HC Shane Steichen said. Richardson underwent surgery on October 24 to repair a severe AC joint injury and was cleared to resume throwing in February. “I think what happened to him is gonna make him stronger,” Steichen said. “I know he’s super fired up and ready to roll through the spring practice and training camp and this season. ... I couldn’t be more excited to get him back going again. His limited sample size that he had in those first five weeks was impressive. He hit some plays I’ve never seen guys make.” Steichen added that keeping Richardson healthy is a priority but that he won't limit him as a runner. Richardson said earlier this offseason that he won't change his playing style, despite last year's injuries. There remains top-5 fantasy upside here.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson was recently cleared to resume throwing, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder. Richardson had surgery on his right shoulder in October but is 6-8 weeks ahead of schedule in his rehab, per Holder. It sounds like Richardson will be able to participate in at least some of the offseason program and should be a full-go come training camp. Multiple injuries limited him to just two full games as a rookie last year -- but he finished QB4 in fantasy points both of those weeks. A healthy Richardson has easy top-5 fantasy upside in 2024 and beyond. See where he sits in our initial 2024 fantasy football QB rankings.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson said Thursday that he doesn't plan on changing his playing style going forward, despite suffering multiple injuries during his rookie season. "There's a time and a place to be physical," he said. "I love being physical. That's my nature. ... I don't think I played reckless. I think I played the right way." Richardson played just two full games this past year and ran 10 times in both. He totaled 25 carries on 15% of Indianapolis' offensive snaps -- which equates to 166 carries over a full, healthy season. There's huge rushing upside with Richardson in 2024 and beyond. He also said Thursday that he plans on resuming throwing in February after his October shoulder surgery.

Colts owner Jim Irsay says QB Anthony Richardson has decided to have surgery on his right shoulder, which will end the rookie's season. This was previously reported as the likely move and will mean QB Gardner Minshew starting going forward. Sam Ehlinger sits as the backup, with Kellen Mond on the practice squad. We'll see whether Indy makes any further moves at the position.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson will "probably" miss the rest of the regular season, ESPN's Stephen Holder reports. The rookie might need surgery on his injured right shoulder. That came from Colts owner Jim Irsay, and it should mean Gardner Minshew starting the rest of the season. Richardson remains a high-upside asset for dynasty fantasy football teams. We're not projecting much difference for other Colts offensive pieces with Minshew in place of Richardson. If anything, the swap likely means more passing volume and less goal-line competition for the RBs.