Colts Qb Anthony Richardson Fractures Orbital Bone During Pregame Warmups With Resistance Band

Anthony Richardson spent the Indianapolis Colts’ 31-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the hospital on Sunday after he fractured his orbital bone during pregame warmups.

Richardson, who was supposed to be the team’s backup quarterback on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, was ruled out shortly before the game. While the exact nature of the incident is still unclear, Richardson apparently had an issue doing work with a resistance band.

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After the game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Richardson actually fractured his orbital bone. He went to a local hospital instead, and he spent the entire game there. He is still recovering. Further specifics on his condition, or how long he’ll be sidelined, are unknown.

Richardson has struggled with injuries throughout his time in the league. The Colts selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, but he missed 17 games and never played more than four games in a row due to injuries over his first two seasons. He went down with a dislocated finger during the preseason, too, and then lost the starting job to Daniel Jones — who has since led the franchise to a 5-1 start.

Richardson holds just an 8-7 record as a starter and has thrown 13 interceptions to just 11 touchdowns. He completed less than 48% of his passes last season, too, which was the worst in the league.

Richardson was the second Colts player to sustain a bizarre pregame injury on Sunday afternoon. Cornerback Charvarius Ward actually collided with tight end Drew Ogletree and was then ruled out with a concussion.

Despite both Richardson and Ward not being available, the Colts still picked up the four-point win over the Cardinals thanks in part to a late touchdown run from Jonathan Taylor. Jones went 22 of 30 for 212 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, and Taylor had 123 yards and his score on 21 carries. 

The Colts will take on the Los Angeles Chargers next week. At least for the time being, Riley Leonard will continue to be Jones' backup with Richardson sidelined.