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Colts QB Anthony Richardson ‘has no restrictions, other than volume’ entering training camp

WHAT'S THE STORY?

Indianapolis Colts OTAs
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

According to longtime general manager Chris Ballard, Indianapolis Colts 3rd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson “has no restrictions throwing, other than volume” entering the team’s training camp early this week (via WISH-TV News):

After experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired right throwing shoulder during early OTAs, the former 4th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was shut down for the ensuing veteran minicamp, with the hope that he’d be fully ready to go for training camp.

Not only has Richardson seemingly avoided a stint on Preseason PUP, but it also appears that he’ll initially have no restrictions on his throwing, except for being on an anticipated ‘pitch count’ to kick off Colts camp.

It’s obviously encouraging news for the Colts, as Richardson is expected to challenge new veteran free agent addition Daniel Jones for Indy’s starting quarterback job—and appears no longer at risk of losing a wealth of meaningful reps with the first-team offense in camp.

Having participated fully in OTAs and minicamp, Jones may arguably have a ‘leg up’ on Richardson as it stands in the heated QB competition from a chemistry and consistency standpoint, but Richardson also has the benefit of having already played in Colts head coach Shane Steichen’s offense over the past two seasons.

Colts team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon issued Richardson somewhat of a vote of confidence over the weekend, when she noted that, “He still has time to prove it.”

Now seriously fighting for the starting job, Richardson must show a greater sense of urgency, consistent preparation, and of course, some improved passing accuracy wouldn’t hurt (when he completed just 47.7% of his passes last season).

One of his biggest issues to-date has simply been his inability to stay on the field, as he’s missed 19 starts over the past two seasons (*two to a near midseason benching last year).

That being said, from a talent standpoint—featuring speed, a rocket arm, strength, and athleticism, there’s still a lot to dream upon for the Colts, with his elite dual-threat mobility and still being only 23-years-old. Here’s hoping it finally all clicks for him, beginning in camp.

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