Anthony Richardson’s NFL journey with the Indianapolis Colts has been a roller-coaster ride of promise and setbacks.
The young quarterback’s talent is undeniable, but injuries keep throwing a wrench in his progress.
After a strong start to the 2024 season, Richardson hit another roadblock in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, exiting early with an oblique injury.
It’s been a frustrating pattern for Colts fans and Richardson alike.
Just as he starts to find his rhythm, another health issue crops up, forcing him to reset and rebuild momentum.
Fortunately, he’s not alone in this struggle, as teammate Jonathan Taylor has been a pillar of support through these challenging times.
The running back recently shared his thoughts on Richardson’s potential and the belief that he should be the starter over Joe Flacco when he’s able.
“I think Anthony has all the tools to go out there and be an elite quarterback,” Taylor said, via Zach Gelb. “I mean, I think you guys have seen just some of the plays and things he’s able to do on the field that no one else can do. So I just know that not only for myself, I just want to be there to help him, ease that burden for him because I know being a quarterback is a tough job.”
“I think Anthony has all the tools to go out there and be an elite quarterback.”
Jonathan Taylor believes when Anthony Richardson is healthy that he should start over Joe Flacco.
Full Zach Gelb Show on @InfSportsNet chat with @JayT23 here: https://t.co/t1hjmqrwFH pic.twitter.com/RgdhmVJQqk
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) October 16, 2024
Though Richardson’s possible Week 7 return is cause for excitement, concerns about his durability linger.
His running ability is a double-edged sword. It’s a key part of what makes him special but it also exposes him to more hits.
At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, with a blistering 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds, Richardson is a rare physical specimen.
However, the rushing attempts have led to multiple injuries, including a shoulder issue that cut short his 2023 campaign.
Moving forward, Richardson may need to reconsider his approach to running.
Whether it’s adjusting his style or simply being more selective about when to take off, finding a balance between utilizing his athleticism and staying healthy will be crucial.
If injuries continue to pile up, it could hinder his ability to develop consistency and chemistry with the offense.
