Anthony Richardson soon knew something wasn’t right while playing one of his best football games ever.
So, early in the second quarter of Sunday’s 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans, the Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback disclosed he was having concussion symptoms after scoring two touchdowns in the span of two offensive plays. Richardson was taken out of the game following a concussion assessment and did not come back.
The NFL’s concussion protocol will be used to determine his status moving forward as the Colts (1-1) prepare for a road game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. With 12:45 left in the second quarter, Richardson was replaced by backup Gardner Minshew and entered the contest.
Richardson scored on a 15-yard touchdown run with 9:18 left in the first quarter, according to Colts coach Shane Steichen, and that is when the injury happened. Richardson appeared to believe he would enter the end zone unimpeded as he turned the corner following a crushing block by receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and a downfield block by tight end Kylen Granson. Richardson was knocked down as he approached the end zone and his head struck the turf field when Houston safety M.J. Stewart converged and slammed him at full speed.
Richardson did in fact recover quickly, joining his teammates in jubilation. Richardson had just crossed the goal line for the Colts after ending the previous drive with an easy 18-yard touchdown on a draw play, so the celebration was deserved. It wasn’t immediately obvious, but his second score probably ended up costing him a lot more money.
Richardson came back into the game for the next two series, participating in six more snaps before informing the trainers of his problems. Following the impact that was thought to have caused the concussion, Richardson only managed to complete one of his three pass attempts.
Unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants (UNCs), the NFL’s designated independent concussion spotters, or the Colts’ trainers weren’t sure Richardson’s head had touched the ground.
When Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion last season, the NFL Players Association fired one of the UNCs involved in Tagovailoa’s diagnosis, raising questions about the role of the doctors. But in Richardson’s case, the proper decision was made as a result of his candor on the circumstances.
Given how Richardson was playing in the game, it was probably not an easy choice.
During his brief stint in the starting lineup, Richardson completed 6-of-10 passes for 56 yards. On three carries, he gained 35 more rushing yards. In his stead, Minshew put forth a very effective effort, completing 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Before the Texans’ 10 points in the fourth quarter made things interesting, the Colts had a 21-point advantage and was winning easily.
The focus will now be on Richardson’s recuperation. His playing style will also undoubtedly be carefully examined to see whether it played a role in the fact that he left the Colts’ games early in each of them this season. After receiving a shot to his knee in the Colts’ Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Richardson was replaced.
Richardson, a large, strong quarterback who enjoys contact, is attempting to walk a tight line between using his greatest abilities and playing it safe given his status as the No. 4 choice in the draft and the Colts’ franchise’s future.
