The Indianapolis Colts will face the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend without their star quarterback, Anthony Richardson, who continues to be sidelined by a significant eye injury. The team has confirmed he will not be activated from the injured reserve this week, dealing a blow to their playoff aspirations.
No Timetable for Richardson's Return
Head coach Shane Steichen provided a concerning update on Richardson's condition, revealing that the young quarterback still has vision limitations and is not yet 100 percent clear. "As I mentioned last week, Anthony returned for physical activity, but he still has some vision limitation in his eye," Steichen stated. The plan is to gradually reintegrate him into practice, including throwing and scout team reps, while he manages the ongoing recovery process.
How the Brutal Injury Occurred
Anthony Richardson's absence stems from a frightening accident earlier this season. Prior to a game, a pole attached to a stretch band unexpectedly snapped, striking the quarterback in the face around the eye area. The incident caused immediate panic as Richardson was visibly in pain. Subsequent medical examinations diagnosed the injury as a brutal orbital fracture, which has directly impacted his vision. Richardson has been on the injured reserve for over two months following this setback.
Impact on the Colts and Playoff Hopes
The prolonged absence of their dynamic starting quarterback has forced the Colts to adjust their strategy. While Richardson has expressed that he doesn't have a "major limitation," the team is erring on the side of extreme caution with his recovery. His absence is keenly felt as the Colts gear up for crucial matchups in a tight AFC South division race. The team's performance without its offensive centerpiece remains a critical storyline for the remainder of the season.
This development follows a brief spark of hope last week when Richardson returned to practice, but no significant progress has been reported since. Fans and analysts will now watch closely for any update on his vision clearance and eventual return to the active roster.
