Anthony Richardson is eager to return from his hip injury as the Indianapolis Colts prepare to face the Miami Dolphins at home this Sunday. The second-year quarterback missed an earlier chance to play in front of his hometown crowd during a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making this game even more significant for him.
While he won’t know for certain until warmups, indications suggest Richardson will be back on the field. “I’m moving better and feeling confident in all my movements, especially when throwing the ball,” he said following his first full practice since leaving the Week 4 game against Pittsburgh.
This news is promising for the Colts, who sit at 3-3 and are looking to keep pace with the Houston Texans, currently at 5-1 in the AFC South. Richardson’s health has been a topic of discussion, as he has missed 15 of 23 NFL games, finishing only four of the eight games he has played. Concerns regarding his injury history and performance, including his low completion percentage and interceptions, have led some to question if he’s the right quarterback to guide the Colts to the playoffs.
“You have to be smart about it,” Richardson said. “Injuries can happen, but sometimes you just have to push through for the team.” If he’s unable to play effectively, the Colts can turn to veteran Joe Flacco, who has secured two wins in three games as a starter.
On the other side, the Dolphins are also facing challenges. Since losing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to injury after Week 2, they’ve had to adapt with backup quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley. Miami holds a 1-2 record during this transition, with the team struggling offensively, scoring just 30 points over three games.
The bye week has been beneficial for the Dolphins, allowing Huntley to settle in and focus on the playbook. “It was a great break for us,” he noted, mentioning how it helped him personally and professionally.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has long admired Richardson’s talent. “He’s big, fast, and has a strong arm,” McDaniel commented about the young quarterback’s college performance. He acknowledged that playing strong team defense is crucial against a player of Richardson’s caliber.
Miami safety Jevon Holland pointed out how Richardson’s ability to throw deep, as demonstrated by his 60-yard touchdown pass in Week 1, can put defenses on high alert. “With a quarterback like that, you can’t let your guard down,” Holland said, emphasizing the threat Richardson poses.