What Happened
Anthony Richardson, the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, suffered a dislocated pinkie finger during the team’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on August 7, 2025. The injury occurred on Richardson’s second series of the game when he was sacked by Ravens linebacker David Ojabo. Following the hit, Richardson left the field holding his right hand and did not return to the game. Colts head coach Shane Steichen later indicated that Richardson is “day to day” as he recovers from the injury, which was reportedly treated by popping the finger back into place.
Richardson’s early exit from the game was significant as it interrupted his opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position against Daniel Jones, who took over after Richardson’s departure. Initially, Richardson was expected to play for a quarter and a half, but the injury limited his participation to just two completed passes out of three attempts for 21 yards. The Colts ultimately lost the game, and Jones’s performance did not decisively secure the starting role, as he completed 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards without scoring a touchdown.
Key Details
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Injury Details: Richardson sustained a dislocated pinkie finger on his throwing hand, which was treated on the sideline. The injury was not deemed severe enough to require a long-term absence, but it raised concerns given Richardson’s history with injuries.
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Game Context: The injury occurred during Richardson’s second series in the first quarter, specifically on the seventh offensive play for the Colts. He was sacked by David Ojabo, who came from Richardson’s blindside, leading to the injury.
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Performance Before Injury: In his limited time on the field, Richardson completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards, with his incompletion nearly resulting in an interception. His performance was not particularly noteworthy, but it was cut short due to the injury.
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Historical Context: This injury adds to Richardson’s troubled injury history, which includes missing 13 games during his rookie season due to a shoulder injury and additional absences in subsequent seasons due to various injuries, including back and foot issues.
Multiple Perspectives
The Colts’ coaching staff, particularly head coach Shane Steichen, has emphasized the importance of evaluating both Richardson and Jones during the preseason. Steichen’s comments suggest that the competition for the starting quarterback role remains open, and Richardson’s injury complicates this evaluation process. While Richardson’s injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period, it does create uncertainty regarding his readiness for the upcoming regular season.
On one hand, some analysts argue that Richardson’s injury could hinder his chances of securing the starting role, especially if Jones performs well in Richardson’s absence. Conversely, others point out that Richardson’s potential and previous draft status as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft may still favor him in the long run, provided he can demonstrate his abilities once healthy.
Context & Background
Richardson’s injury comes at a critical time for the Colts, who are looking to establish a clear starting quarterback ahead of the regular season. The Colts have been in a rebuilding phase, and the quarterback position has been a focal point of their strategy. Richardson’s performance in the preseason is crucial not only for his personal career but also for the team’s overall direction.
The Colts’ decision to bring in Daniel Jones as competition for Richardson reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly seeking to ensure depth and competition at the quarterback position. This move was partly motivated by Richardson’s previous injury struggles, as the Colts aimed to mitigate the risk of relying solely on one player.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of now, it remains unclear how long Richardson will be sidelined due to his dislocated pinkie finger. While the initial reports suggest he is “day to day,” further evaluations will determine his readiness for future preseason games and the regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, the Colts have not made a final decision on who will start in their next preseason game, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback competition.
Furthermore, the long-term implications of this injury on Richardson’s development and the Colts’ offensive strategy are yet to be fully understood. If Richardson’s injury leads to further complications or a longer recovery time, it could significantly impact his trajectory as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Colts will need to monitor his progress closely as they prepare for the upcoming season.
