Colts QB Anthony Richardson is dealing with a right shoulder injury and won't participate in next week's minicamp, HC Shane Steichen said Thursday. Steichen called it an aggravation of the AC joint injury that ended Richardson's 2023 season. He had surgery then but is not expected to need surgery this time, according to Steichen.
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
It sounds like Richardson could be sidelined until training camp. Beyond the fact that a throwing-shoulder injury is always worrisome for a QB — especially one with Richardson's injury history — this will cost him valuable reps in his battle against QB Daniel Jones.
Steichen said previously that Richardson and Jones would split reps down the middle this offseason, suggesting that this is truly an open competition. Richardson's injury gives Jones a chance to get out to a head start.
We'll see exactly when Richardson is able to get back on the field and whether this injury remains a factor throughout 2025. At this point, neither Richardson nor Jones should be considered more than a QB3 in fantasy drafts.
Other Winners & Losers
All of Indianapolis' skill-position players — namely RB Jonathan Taylor, WRs Josh Downs and Michael Pittman, and TE Tyler Warren — would project for more fantasy value with Jones than Richardson. Richardson means a lower pass rate and worse accuracy for the pass catchers. And he siphons carries, including near the goal line, from Taylor.