INDIANAPOLIS — Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned to the practice field on Wednesday, hopeful he’ll be able to play against the Titans this weekend.
Richardson’s oblique and hip injury appeared to be much better. The Colts quarterback was seen throwing on the move during the open portion of practice, a sign he’s feeling better.
Richardson himself said as much in his meeting with local media Wednesday.
“Way better, compared to last week,” said Richardson, who was officially listed as a limited participant in practice. “I was able to move a little bit, I’m able to get going, start running, throwing. Feeling good about that.”
Indianapolis held out Richardson out of a concern for putting him in harm's way.
The reality is Richardson also wasn't ready physically, either to run or to throw. The right hip is Richardson's plant leg when he's throwing the ball.
“Little bit of both, honestly because rotation – getting my hips right," Richardson said. "Just putting a lot of torque and stuff on my body. But no, I’d probably say both with same difficulty but I'm feeling good with both now.'ust putting a lot of torque and stuff on my body. But no, I’d probably say both with same difficulty but I'm feeling good with both now.
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The impromptu throwing session Richardson conducted in the rain in Jacksonville on Sunday might have been the breakthrough.
Richardson was going to be inactive, knew he'd be inactive, and according to Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen, the Colts wouldn’t have used Richardson even in an emergency situation.
But the more Richardson threw to tight end Drew Ogletree, the better he felt.
“Honestly, it was really just a feel thing that day,” Richardson said. “We didn’t even know I was going to be able to do what I was able to do out there. We feel good about that going into this week.”
Richardson started firing deeper throws, jogging through a rollout and letting it go 30 yards downfield.
The 22-year-old quarterback has been coming into the facility early to rehabilitate the injury early, then go through film work and meetings. The throwing session in Jacksonville was a breakthrough, and three days later, Richardson felt good about his prospects heading into a week of practice against the Titans.
“I can run, I can throw, I can do the stuff I need to do in the offense,” Richardson said. “We’re just going to take it day by day and see how the rest of the week goes.”
Richardson was listed as limited following Wednesday's practice.
Indianapolis can afford to let Richardson figure out his health at his own speed. The team's 39-year-old backup, Joe Flacco, has completed 70 percent of his passes, averaged 7.5 yards per attempt and tossed five touchdowns without throwing an interception in two games.
Flacco can handle it if Richardson needs more reps in practice this week.
"This week may be a little bit different than last week," Flacco said. "We'll see how he feels when we go out there today, but ultimately it's the same mindset.”
Richardson wants to play.
And if he's healthy, he'll be back in the lineup against the Titans.
"I really just think it’s all up to feel,” Richardson said. “I’m pretty sure my body’s not 100 percent, because Week 1, your body is going to keep going down and down, because it’s taking hits. But if I’m feeling good, I’m going to go out there.”
Colts QB Anthony Richardson injury
Anthony Richardson's injury was initially reported as a hip pointer but the team has designated it as an oblique. The oblique muscles are in the abdomen and involved in rotation and can be affected by planting or pushing off the leg.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson stats
Through Week 4
39-of-77 passing (50.6%) for 654 yards, 2 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He has been sacked 4 times. He has 21 carries for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson contract
Anthony Richardson is in the second year of a four-year rookie contract. He counts $7.725 million toward the Colts salary cap this season. The 4-year contract totals almost $34 million.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson age
22. He will turn 23 on May 22, 2025.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'Way better': Colts QB Anthony Richardson on oblique injury
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