INDIANAPOLIS — Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will not participate in the game against the Steelers due to a hip injury sustained in the first quarter.
Richardson attempted to return to the game after receiving treatment from trainers. He came out of the locker room appearing to be in good shape, running and stretching on the sidelines. At one point, it seemed he might rejoin the huddle, but veteran Joe Flacco took over instead. Shortly thereafter, the Colts confirmed that Richardson would not continue playing, although the 22-year-old remained in uniform on the sidelines for much of the first half, with a towel over his head.
Despite taking two hard hits to his right hip, Richardson showed determination to continue. His initial injury occurred after a significant hit from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick while he was running for a first down.
Richardson briefly returned to the game for one play and attempted another run but was hit again by Fitzpatrick, this time taking a shot to his upper body. He went down and was visibly struggling but managed to walk off under his own power, holding his right side. He then went to the locker room again, where trainers assessed him further. Initially deemed questionable to return, he came back to the sideline with his helmet on and did some light jogging, but Flacco remained the starter.
In the meantime, Flacco, stepping in for Richardson, connected on both of his pass attempts for a total of 14 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs, putting the Colts ahead 14-0.
Richardson’s injuries come as he was looking to avoid taking hard hits this season following a prior season-ending shoulder injury during a run against the Titans. His dynamic play style was on display with an explosive first run of the game, but he was unable to finish after sustaining multiple hits.
Joe Flacco, who now leads the team in Richardson’s absence, brings experience to the Colts as he has played for multiple teams before joining Indianapolis as Richardson’s backup. At 39 years old, he has had a successful career including a 4-1 record with the Browns last season.