The crowd’s gasp was nearly as swift as the blindside hit in M&T Bank Stadium. It was a moment where optimism and dread collided. Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ anointed franchise QB, glanced down during the preseason clash against the Ravens and saw his pinky finger bent at an unnatural angle, “in a different direction,” as he recounted post-game. For Indianapolis, hungry for stability and resurgence under new ownership, the image was as jarring as any turnover.

Owner Irsay-Gordon had touted Richardson for having “all the potential in the world,” and it looked like a promised new chapter. This was supposed to be his evening, a planned showcase pitting him against Daniel Jones for the QB1 spot. HC Shane Steichen had laid out a roadmap: Richardson would control the first quarter and a half, Jones finishing the second. But midway through the first quarter, Baltimore LB David Ojabo burst through unblocked. Richardson, eyes downfield, never saw him, a textbook blindside sack. After he exited the field nursing his hand, it looked like more evidence of fragility for a QB who’s already missed a majority of games since being drafted in 2023. But don’t count him out just yet.

When HC Steichen spoke about Richardson’s injury, it didn’t look like an immediate return was in store. “It was just a dislocation. Popped out, popped back in. Don’t know how long he’ll be out.” But as per the latest reports by Jordan Schultz, Richardson is still in the game. As Schultz wrote on X, “#Colts QB Anthony Richardson. Who was declared out last night with a finger injury, had all his X-rays come back clean and will be back on the practice field in the coming days, per source.” No breaks, no ligament damage, the X-rays delivered good news for the Colts. And for the most part, it was a much-needed update for Richardson as well.

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Indianapolis knows QB uncertainty all too well. Andrew Luck’s early retirement, the parade of stopgaps since. Richardson’s short, disruptive night wasn’t how anyone envisioned the preseason opener. His young age and injury history loom over the franchise’s future: two seasons marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating interruptions. But the alternative, Daniel Jones, has his own cautionary tale. Once the Giants’ hope, Jones became synonymous with New York’s struggles. 24-44-1 as a starter, benched and released in 2024 before landing in Indianapolis on a $14 million prove-it deal. But as the Ravens’ 24-16 victory loomed large, Indy echoed Giants’ weariness, watching their new QB alternate moments of promise and confusion. But with Anthony Richardson slated to return soon, the chances for the Colts’ 2nd preseason match vs. the Packers seem a bit more hopeful.

Anthony Richardson’s path forward with the Colts

Richardson’s injury was terrifying. But his swift prognosis and presence on the sideline (throwing and encouraging teammates) helped dull the panic. Even when addressing his injury at the post-game presser, Richardson’s poise mid-game was notable. “He hit me, then I was trying to make sure I had the ball. I just looked down, see my finger in a different direction. … So I’m like, I need to get this thing popped back in place and I’m good.” What’s next? HC Steichen may flip the script, letting Richardson get starting reps in next week’s preseason match against Green Bay.

In the offseason, HC Steichen had noted it was an “open competition” for the QB1 spot.The preseason kickoff plan to divide playing time between Richardson and Jones didn’t quite work out. If Richardson is back to peak condition before next week’s matchup, Steichen might even out the scales again. As the HC noted post-game, “Absolutely, that’s definitely a thing I’ll look into because obviously Daniel got the bulk of the reps today. I’ll look into that.” With the X-rays clearing Richardson, the optimism persists for his 2025 campaign. As for the rest of the crew, they too will have to remain healthy for a productive season.

HC Shane Steichen had made a promise of winning to honor the memory of late owner Jim Irsay. The first preseason step was a stumble, but September’s still weeks away, and there’s plenty of time to bounce back from this setback. Once the regular season begins, will Anthony Richardson match up to the expectations the franchise has of him? Or will this be another saga of disappointment for Indianapolis?