Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson exited the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half due to a hip injury after taking two hard hits. Following an initial injury on a 14-yard run in the first quarter, Richardson briefly returned but ultimately had to sit out for the remainder of the game. Colts coach Shane Steichen didn’t allow him to continue after he expressed a desire to return.
Despite his injury, Richardson reassured fans that it was not severe. “Feeling a little sore,” he remarked after the game. “But great execution by everybody on the field. I think I’m going to be good. Just a little sore.” The injury affected his mobility, making it difficult for him to accelerate.
Richardson, who started as quarterback for the second year, had a strong performance prior to his exit, completing 3 of 4 passes, including a 32-yard completion to Michael Pittman Jr., and leading a significant opening drive that resulted in a touchdown by Jonathan Taylor.
Steichen noted Richardson’s impressive start, stating, “He was on fire.” Richardson agreed with the decision to sit out, acknowledging that it was best for the team.
This latest injury has raised concerns about Richardson’s durability, as he has missed significant time in three of the eight games he has started. He addressed these concerns, stating, “People are going to talk about injuries, people are going to say injury-prone, blah, blah, blah. But nobody wants to get injured. Everybody wants to stay on the field.”
In Richardson’s absence, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco stepped in and led the Colts to a 27-24 victory, handing the Steelers their first loss of the season. Flacco completed 16 of 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, recalling it took him some time to settle in after being called off the bench unexpectedly.
Additionally, Taylor left the game late in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury but indicated that it was not serious, expressing his excitement about the win and anticipation for the upcoming week.