Deja vu for Joe Flacco? Anthony Richardson’s injury opens door for veteran QB to secure a Colts win over Justin Fields’ Steelers
Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a hip injury which allowed veteran Joe Flacco to play and win against Steelers.
Anthony Richardson injury update (Image via IMAGO)
Anthony Richardson suffered a hip injury in the Indianapolis Colts 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Joe Flacco replaced Richardson in the game.
During a scramble play in the first quarter, Richardson gained 14 yards for the Colts before dragging his feet. Steeler pass rusher TJ Watt hit the second-year quarterback’s calf as he went down on his knees.
The hit was fair for Watt, who lost his helmet in the process, but Richardson has had one of the worst luck when it comes to picking up injuries. The medical team came in and advised head coach Shane Steichen to take the former 4th overall pick off.
Veteran Joe Flacco took over the quarterback duties as Richardson missed the next two plays. Steichen sent him back on the field once again, believing that his young quarterback was okay to continue.
Here are the two runs where #Colts QB Anthony Richardson took hip and head punishment. He can’t operate like this running the ball. He won’t last. pic.twitter.com/Zmypg9eUPN
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 29, 2024
The Colts head coach called for a rush on the very first drive. Richardson obliged and took off with the ball until the Steelers’ safety Minakh Fitzpatrick smashed into him, leaving the 24-year-old QB holding his ribs. This was Richardson’s final drive of the night as Flacco played the rest of the game.
Anthony Richardson’s injury update
Flacco led the Colts to a victory by completing 16 of 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, inside the medical room, the doctors and physicians checked on Anthony Richardson for a better understanding of his injury.
Initially, the Falcons front office claimed it was a hip injury, but further examination will reveal more details. The Athletic’s James Boyd later spoke with the Gators alumni about his condition. According to Richardson, his first reaction after the hit was ‘not again.’
People gonna talk about injuries. People gonna say, ‘Oh, (he’s) injury-prone, blah blah blah.’ Nobody wants to get injured… So, of course, I was like, ‘Man, damn, not again’
Anthony Richardson revealed.
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson, asked if he thought “not again” after injuring his hip:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 29, 2024
“People gonna talk about injuries. People gonna say, ‘Oh, (he’s) injury prone, blah blah blah.’ Nobody wants to get injured. … So, of course I was like, ‘Man, damn, not again.’” pic.twitter.com/gSfmMntSEf
Shane Steichen was asked about the run call that indirectly caused Richardson’s injury.
They went base defense. He said he felt good to go, so that was the look we had for it, and [he] just felt [his hip] again, so…
Steichen said during the post-match presser.
I did ask #Colts HC Shane Steichen why he chose a run play involving QB Anthony Richardson on the first play after Richardson injured his hip:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 30, 2024
“They went base defense. He said he felt good to go, so that was the look we had for it, and (he) just felt (his hip) again, so …” pic.twitter.com/K0bh5k0x2Y
Richardson suffered three different injuries during his rookie season. In week 2 against the Houston Texans, he left the game after a blow to his head but was eventually cleared to start against the Rams the following week, throwing a couple of touchdowns.
Just 14 days later, Richardson tore his ACL while playing against the Tennessee Titans. He underwent AC joint sprain surgery, which ended his first year at Indiana. So far he has only played 8 games, winning 4, throwing 6, and rushing for 5 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Ishan Misra
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