INDIANAPOLIS — Despite Daniel Jones playing the last two games through a fractured left fibula, the Colts have no plans to change quarterbacks. Their alternatives remain extremely limited.
Second-year QB Anthony Richardson Sr., the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, is still on injured reserve and has not yet been medically cleared for football activities following the orbital fracture he suffered in a bizarre pregame accident in October, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Wednesday.
Steichen did say Richardson is making progress and the team hasn’t ruled out a late-season return. A source told ESPN that the initial swelling and subsequent surgery temporarily affected vision in one eye, causing blurriness that is now steadily improving. While there was significant early concern about potential eye damage — Richardson was transported by ambulance to the hospital — doctors ultimately determined the eye itself was unharmed.
“Whenever you’re talking about an eye injury, the priority is making sure he has 100% vision,” Steichen said. “He’s resting it right now. As soon as he gets full clearance, we’ll let everybody know.”
Richardson has recently been allowed to resume light strength training in the weight room and is back at the facility more regularly after initially being told to stay home and avoid any strenuous activity. This past weekend he attended his first game since the injury and could begin traveling with the team soon.
The injury occurred October 12 when an elastic resistance band Richardson was using in pregame warmups snapped loose from its anchor, striking him in the face and causing the orbital fracture.
Jones won the starting job over Richardson coming out of preseason, with Richardson expected to serve as the primary backup. Since Richardson’s injury, rookie Riley Leonard — who has yet to attempt an NFL regular-season pass — has been the Colts’ No. 2 quarterback.
