Indianapolis Colts fans faced an early scare in the preseason opener when star quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered an injury. On Thursday, August 7, 2025, during the crucial first exhibition game against the Baltimore Ravens, Richardson dislocated his right pinkie finger. This incident, while immediately concerning, has since been categorized as “day-to-day,” sparking cautious optimism about his swift return to the field.
The news comes amidst a highly anticipated quarterback competition for the Colts, adding a new layer of complexity to their preparations for the upcoming season. Richardson’s health has been a persistent topic of discussion, and this latest setback, though minor, highlights ongoing concerns. The Colts’ coaching staff and fans are keenly observing how this affects the team’s critical quarterback decision.
The Preseason Scare: Detailing Richardson’s Injury
The dislocated pinkie finger occurred early in the first quarter of the preseason clash. Anthony Richardson, making his first start, was sacked on his second series’ first dropback. Ravens linebacker David Ojabo delivered a punishing hit after blitzing unblocked off the edge. Richardson later admitted he didn’t see the incoming pressure, a learning point for future plays.
The Play That Led to the Dislocation
The moment of injury was swift and impactful. Richardson was looking left, his attention focused elsewhere, when Ojabo came unimpeded from his right side. This critical lapse in identifying the “hot” blitz resulted in the sack that dislodged his finger. Richardson himself described the immediate aftermath as “weird,” seeing his finger “in a different direction” before realizing it needed to be reset.
Immediate Aftermath and Medical Assessment
Following the play, Richardson was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game. However, the initial medical prognosis was reassuring. The dislocated finger was quickly “popped back into place” by medical staff. Crucially, X-rays taken at halftime returned negative results, ruling out any more severe fractures. Both Richardson and Colts head coach Shane Steichen downplayed the severity, with the quarterback confirming he was “fine” despite some tenderness. He even attempted to re-enter the game, managing to “spin it a little bit” after taping, but the coaching staff wisely kept him sidelined as a precaution. His “day-to-day” status suggests a short absence, with reports indicating a potential return to practice as early as Saturday, August 9.
Beyond the Pinkie: Anthony Richardson’s Injury History
While the current pinkie injury appears minor, it adds to a concerning pattern for the young quarterback. Since being drafted fourth overall in 2023, Anthony Richardson has faced a frustrating series of health setbacks. His rookie season saw him play just four games due to a right shoulder injury and concussions. Last season, he missed 11 games with oblique and back issues, with both previous seasons concluding prematurely.
This latest incident, though less severe, serves as an unwelcome reminder of his vulnerability. For a player pivotal to the Colts’ future, sustained health is paramount. Each injury, regardless of magnitude, fuels questions about his durability and the team’s ability to consistently rely on him as the face of the franchise. The focus shifts from the immediate recovery to the long-term strategy for keeping Richardson on the field.
Impact on the Colts’ Crucial Quarterback Competition
The Colts had planned a genuine, open quarterback competition all offseason, aiming to push Richardson and ascertain their best path forward. Head Coach Shane Steichen, reportedly on the “hot seat” after two seasons without playoff appearances, desperately needs a clear answer at quarterback. Anthony Richardson was given the first preseason start, with veteran Daniel Jones slated for the second.
The Open QB Battle: Richardson vs. Jones
The preseason opener was designed to be a significant evaluation point. Richardson was scheduled to play the entire first quarter and into the second, allowing ample time to demonstrate his progress. Jones, signed in free agency, was poised to make his case in the second preseason game. This structured approach aimed to create a robust competitive environment.
Shifting Dynamics and Future Playtime
Richardson’s early exit unexpectedly altered these plans, granting Daniel Jones the bulk of the snaps in the first game. Jones completed 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards, leading two field-goal drives, though his performance was described as “up-and-down.” In light of this, Coach Steichen indicated he might reverse the roles for the upcoming second preseason game against Green Bay. This potential adjustment would ensure Daniel Jones still receives his planned evaluation time, while allowing Richardson to catch up on missed reps if cleared to play. The ultimate decision for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins remains undetermined, and Richardson’s availability for continued evaluation is critical.
On-Field Performance Before and After the Injury
Before his untimely exit, Anthony Richardson’s performance was limited. He completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards. His first series ended in a field goal, with one completion under pressure and another short throw, though a penalty negated another completion. His brief appearance offered little insight into his overall progress.
Following Richardson’s injury, Daniel Jones took over for the remainder of the first half. He completed 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards. While he led two scoring drives resulting in field goals, he did not find the end zone himself; one touchdown pass was overturned by offensive pass interference. Jones’s “up-and-down” performance was not strong enough to definitively seize the starting job. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, formerly of Duke and Notre Dame, played the second half, completing 12 of 24 passes for 92 yards and adding 34 rushing yards, but also threw an interception in the Colts’ 24-16 loss to the Ravens.
Richardson’s Own Take and Path Forward
Anthony Richardson expressed no long-term concern about the pinkie injury, even taking responsibility for the sack that caused it. After reviewing film, he acknowledged the “tricky” nature of the five-man protection against a “hot” blitz from the backside. His admission that his “eyes were on the nickel on the other side of the line” rather than the blitzer signals a key area for development. This self-awareness demonstrates a critical aspect of quarterback growth. Despite the pain, Richardson’s willingness to re-enter the game underscores his competitive drive. His focus now shifts to recovery and sharpening his read progressions to avoid similar costly plays in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened to Anthony Richardson’s finger in the preseason opener?
Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, dislocated his right pinkie finger on his throwing hand during the team’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on August 7, 2025. The injury occurred early in the first quarter when he was sacked by Ravens linebacker David Ojabo, who was an unblocked blitzer. Medical staff immediately “popped” the finger back into place, and subsequent X-rays were negative, indicating no fracture. He was ruled “day-to-day” and is not expected to miss significant time, with a potential return to practice within days.
How does this injury impact the Colts’ quarterback competition moving forward?
The pinkie injury to Anthony Richardson complicates the Colts’ pre-planned open quarterback competition between Richardson and veteran Daniel Jones. While Richardson was slated to play the first quarter and into the second in the opener, his early exit meant Jones received the majority of the snaps. Colts coach Shane Steichen stated he is considering reversing the roles for the next preseason game, potentially giving Richardson more playing time if he’s healthy, to ensure both quarterbacks get a fair evaluation before the Week 1 starter decision.
What is Anthony Richardson’s long-term injury outlook given his history?
Anthony Richardson has a concerning history of injuries in his young NFL career, having missed 17 games across his first two seasons due to issues like a right shoulder injury, concussions, and oblique and back problems. While this dislocated pinkie finger is considered minor and not expected to cause a prolonged absence, it serves as another reminder of his susceptibility to injuries. The long-term outlook will depend on his ability to stay healthy consistently, which remains a key question mark for both him and the Colts’ future success.
Looking Ahead for the Colts
Anthony Richardson’s dislocated pinkie finger was undoubtedly a moment of apprehension for the Indianapolis Colts. However, the quick and positive medical assessment offers significant relief. While not a severe injury, it serves as a stark reminder of his ongoing battle with durability. The incident also throws a curveball into the Colts’ crucial quarterback competition, forcing Coach Steichen to potentially adjust his preseason evaluation strategy. As Richardson works towards a swift return, the focus will remain on his ability to stay healthy and demonstrate the consistent progress necessary to lead the Colts into a successful new season.
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