Colts Notebook: Anthony Richardson Leads Good Friday Injury News

Source: Justin Casterline / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS – Unlike last week, the Colts (2-3) are getting some better injury news as they hit the road against in the division for a second straight week.

On Friday, the Colts ruled out just 1 player for Sunday’s game at the Titans: RB-Jonathan Taylor (ankle).

What is the latest with Anthony Richardson and the other Colts injuries?

• Technically, the Colts are going to list Anthony Richardson (oblique) as questionable for Sunday, with Shane Steichen calling the quarterback a “game-time decision.” Compared to last week though, Richardson was a much, much more active participant in practice this week. The Richardson work was all 3 days this week, like last week. But, unlike last week, Richardson looked much more like a starting quarterback in his level of activity. Steichen said Richardson made “huge strides” this week and the Colts were able to simulate some contact with him in practice.

• Without Jonathan Taylor (ankle), the Colts did get Trey Sermon (collarbone) back to practice on Thursday and Friday. The Colts healthy running backs at practice this week were Tyler Goodson (18 career carries) and then practice squad options in Evan Hull (1 career carry) and Trent Pennix (0 career carries). This is now Taylor’s 15 ^th missed game in the last 3 years.

• Well, Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was practicing on Friday, after not going on Wednesday and Thursday. It sounds like Pittman Jr. is still trying to sift through some decisions on how to address a back injury that’s lingered for a while. “I’m doing everything to put myself in the best position to play,” Pittman Jr. said after his Friday practice work. “I want to be out there for everybody in here. So we will see happens. Everything is kind of still on the table.” Pittman Jr. added the decision for him to play is up to Steichen, with the head coach lauding the toughness of his top wideout. Before Thursday’s practice, in which Pittman Jr. didn’t participate, position coach Reggie Wayne said this about his top wideout. “Nobody is going to be 100 percent at this point and time of the season. Only thing I can do is say whenever he’s available, we need him. Other than that, I just coach.” Obviously back injuries can be finicky, so this is one that needs more clarity after mid-week improvement from MPJ. On Friday, Pittman Jr. acknowledged he had an MRI on his back, but wouldn’t share details.

• After missing the first two days of practice this week, Josh Downs (toe) returned to action for the final practice of the week. We have seen Downs play in a limited role before so the Colts could opt for that, if they believe he can play in a limited capacity.

• If the Colts are operating without Pittman Jr. on Sunday, they do appear to be better equipped to handle his loss compared to recent seasons. But a healthy Downs (toe) is needed. Alec Pierce rounding out more of his route tree would be huge. And the arrival of AD Mitchell finishing off plays is certainly something the Colts could use right now. Plus, Ashton Dulin is one this coaching staff loves so he will have a role, too.

• It looks like the Colts will be getting two starting defenders back this week in DE-Kwity Paye (quad) and CB-Kenny Moore II (hip). Both players got hurt late in the Week 3 win over the Bears and have missed the past two games. Paye practiced every day this week, and Moore II went on Wednesday and Friday.

• After missing 5 straight practices, Ryan Kelly (neck) was back to practice this week. The return of Kelly means the Colts should be back to having 4 of their 5 starting offensive linemen back in the fold, with RG-Will Fries lost for the season.

• The weekly maintenance of Braden Smith (knee, ankle) is here. Smith missed all of the spring offseason program and the start of training camp in recovering an off-season knee procedure. Remember, a knee injury forced Smith to miss 7 games last year. In 2024, Smith has missed several practices in the last month due to that knee injury. He missed the Friday practice in Week 3. The following week, he missed Wednesday and Friday sessions. Last week, Smith sat out Wednesday and Friday again. And then against the Jaguars, former No. 1 pick Travon Walker caused some issues for Smith in handling his power. Smith practiced just on Thursday this week.