Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is considering getting season-ending surgery on his right throwing shoulder, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Richardson suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain against the Titans this past Sunday and was placed on the injured reserve list. At first, the team was optimistic he could rehab and return this season, but it may not be his best option.
After Richardson sought four or five opinions, season-ending surgery might be the best path to fully heal the injury. The only positive thing the MRI showed, though, is that the labrum in his right shoulder is not torn. The ligaments looked better than expected, per the report. Richardson and the team have yet to make a decision.
If Richardson’s season is over, Indianapolis has a lot to look forward to even from a small sample size. The No. 4 pick in April’s NFL draft out of Florida has thrown for 577 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for four scores in just four games played.
In his stead, Gardner Minshew led the Colts to a 23–16 victory in Week 5 and will be the signal-caller going forward should Richardson be out the rest of the year.