Colts anticipate Anthony Richardson returning vs. Miami (barring a setback, of course)

INDIANAPOLIS – The wait might be over.

Barring a setback in practice this week, the Indianapolis Colts anticipate quarterback Anthony Richardson returning to the starting lineup Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“I think he’ll be ready to go,’’ coach Shane Steichen said Monday afternoon.

Richardson has missed the past two games after suffering a strained oblique in the Colts’ week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He has been ramping up his rehab in practice and was a full participant last Thursday and limited on Wednesday and Friday. Late in the week, Steichen and the team’s medical staff determined Richardson wasn’t quite 100%.

“That’s what really went into the decision,’’ Steichen said. “He’s really close. He should be looking really good this week.’’

Veteran Joe Flacco has stepped in the last two games. He passed for 359 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-27 loss at Jacksonville and followed that up with 189 yards and two TDs in Sunday’s 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

As well as Flacco has played, the Colts always were going to return to Richardson as soon as possible.

“Flacco’s a really good player, been playing good ball for us,’’ Steichen said. “But when Anthony’s healthy, he’s our quarterback.’’

But that’s been the issue.

Since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Richardson has missed 15 of 23 games due to injury. He’s only finished four of his eight starts.

The Colts, said Steichen, want Richardson “for the long haul.’’

Richardson gave the impression he was close to returning last Sunday against the Titans.

“Yeah, for sure,’’ Richardson said last Wednesday. “I can run. I can throw. I can do the stuff they want me to do in the offense. We’re just going to take it day by day and see what the rest of the week is.’’

He added he was determined to be the “best version of myself. Just making sure I’m putting myself in the best position, putting the team in the best position. Try not to force anything. Try not to rush anything.’’

Steichen was asked to compare Richardson being held out with the oblique injury while Michael Pittman Jr. played while dealing with a back injury. Pittman practiced for the first time Friday and was questionable, then produced the game-winning 10-yard touchdown pass from Flacco midway through the fourth quarter.

“It’s case-by-case,’’ Steichen said. “And obviously, Anthony will touch the ball on every single play.’’

Pittman was on the field for 80% of the offensive snaps (56 of 70) against the Titans. That was his lightest workload this season. He had ranged from 88.9% to 83.9% in the first five games.

Buckner eligible to return

The Colts still are deciding whether to open the 21-day practice period for DeForest Buckner.

The veteran defensive end has been on the injured reserve list since suffering an ankle injury in the week 2 game at Green Bay. Buckner has missed the required four games and went through a light workout before the Titans game.

“We’re having those conversations right now,’’ Steichen said.

You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51 .

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