Despite the gruesome appearance of a dislocated pinkie finger and the optics of it being the latest worry in a career already full of them, Anthony Richardson appeared to escape with just a minor injury after all.
The Colts quarterback could return to practice as soon as Saturday, ESPN reported, after X-rays Thursday night — during halftime of Indianapolis’ preseason opener against the Ravens — were negative and Richardson was initially considered day-to-day.
The outlet added that Richardson even made some light throws on the sideline before getting ruled out, an early sign the No. 4 overall pick in 2023 is avoiding the worst.
Richardson’s injury occurred midway through the opening quarter — on just the Colts’ second drive of the game — when Ravens linebacker David Ojabo raced toward Richardson unblocked from the left side of the defensive line and dropped the signal-caller for a sack.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters postgame that Richardson’s pinkie finger “popped out,” and Indianapolis medical staff popped it back in, according to ESPN.
But it wasn’t worth the risk of having Richardson attempt to continue playing, with the 23-year-old in an ongoing competition alongside Daniel Jones for the starting job.
Richardson got the start in the opener, and Jones was supposed to start their second preseason game against the Cowboys on Aug. 16, but it’s unclear if Steichen’s plans will change after Jones entered Thursday and completed 10-of-21 passes during the Colts’ 24-16 loss.
Before exiting, Richardson, who has started 15 games while collecting 21 total touchdowns and 13 interceptions across an up-and-down first two seasons, went 2-for-3 for 21 yards.
He has also dealt with shoulder, back, foot and hip injuries, as well as a concussion, since joining the NFL.
“I feel like I was doing decent out there, besides that one play right there,” Richardson told reporters postgame, according to The Washington Post. “But everything happens for a reason. Still got next game, so I’m not too worried about it.”
Jones, formerly the Giants’ $160 million quarterback who was released in the middle of last season, signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts to compete for the starting job and revive his career after joining the Vikings’ practice squad late in 2024.
