Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will not be instructed to ease off the rushing game next season despite the increased risk of sustaining another injury.
Richardson saw his rookie NFL year come to a premature end when he suffered a shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week Five that required surgery.
He is fit again now and aiming to play a big role for the Colts, who finished 9-8 in the AFC South in 2023.
Owner Jim Irsay told the Indianapolis Star: “The tackle that happened, it could happen at any time. It’s a physical game.
“He has to seize the opportunity to use his feet when he can and protect himself as well. He knows that.
“At the same time, we drafted him because we know with his feet, he can be dangerous and pick up critical yards at critical times. I think his style is great. We’re just really looking forward to him having a great year throwing and running – certainly more throwing than running.”
#Colts HC Shane Steichen:
“People ask this, too … ‘Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?’ And I kind of think like, ‘Shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers. Well, that’s one of Anthony (Richardson’s) strengths. We’re not gonna get away from that” pic.twitter.com/CmvJu6gxuR
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 25, 2024
Irsay’s remarks follow on from Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen commenting along similar lines when asked about Richardson and the rushing game.
Steichen said last week: “People ask this a lot.
“It’s just like ‘hey, are you gonna limit the run game?’ And I kind of think, like, ‘shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting three-pointers? That’s one of Anthony’s strengths. We’re not gonna get away from that.”
Prior to his injury, Richardson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, showed flashes of his undoubted potential by throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for four in four games.
