(Video) Colts coach bizarrely opts for a QB run on the first play after Anthony Richardson returned to game 2 minutes after suffering a hip injury, suffers consequences instantly
The poor choice of play-calling resulted in Anthony Richardson risking a potentially serious injury.
Anthony Richardson went down to the locker room after sustaining an injury (Image in circle via Open Source, Background image via IMAGO)
The Indianapolis Colts continue to throw their quarterback into the fire. Anthony Richardson sustained yet another injury which could have been avoided, but a play called by Shane Steichen resulted in him being forced out of the game.
The game started on a positive note as the Indianapolis Colts scored on the opening drive. In the run-up to scoring, the quarterback ran up mid-field in an attempt to secure a first down. But he was shortly stopped by Minkah Fitzpatrick who tackled him from behind. The drive concluded with Jonathan Taylor converting on a 2-yard touchdown run.
After Fitzpatrick’s tackle, it resulted in Richardson going down with his hands on his hip. He felt some discomfort. The Colts took him out for two plays and subbed in Joe Flacco. Fortunately, the quarterback made it back to the field soon after.
I can’t believe the Colts coaches did this.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 29, 2024
Anthony Richardson left the game with a hip injury, at the 5:30 mark. He returns, limping, 2 minutes later, and the very first play is a QB run!!
Richardson, again gets hurt, and leaves the game to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/inZwJqAgoe
Anthony Richardson is likely to have injured his hip flexor
On the very first play that Anthony Richardson came back on, Shane Steichen and the offensive coordinator Jim Cooter decided to call a QB run. It was a shocking play call, to say the least. It would be in the best interest of the quarterback to limit calling plays that would put him in a position to run the ball and risk taking another hit.
Anthony Richardson was able to make a gain of 2 yards before he decided to slide owing to pressure. Despite his smart decision to slide soon enough, he was unable to get back up quickly owing to discomfort in his hips. He managed to get up, hold his hips, and leave the field. Shortly after, it was announced that Richardson had gone to the locker room and was unlikely to return to the game.
The Colts are on track to repeating the same mistake they made with Andrew Luck. By continually taking hits, Richardson will not be able to achieve his full potential or contribute positively to the offense as the team expects of him because he will struggle to stay healthy. The play call was unnecessary as it put Richardson at risk of sustaining a potentially disastrous injury.
Sumedh Joshi
(1914 Articles Published)