Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp

As NFL training camps kick into high gear, the health of key players becomes a top priority for every team—and for the Indianapolis Colts, all eyes are on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s shoulder as he participates in camp drills. The 23-year-old signal-caller, entering his second NFL season, first dealt with shoulder discomfort late last year, though he avoided a major injury and finished the 2024 campaign. This offseason, however, the Colts’ medical staff has taken a proactive approach, closely monitoring Richardson’s shoulder during every practice, drill, and scrimmage to prevent any potential setbacks. Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp isn’t a sign of crisis; it’s a testament to the team’s commitment to protecting their franchise quarterback, whose development is central to the Colts’ AFC South title aspirations. For Colts fans and coaches alike, balancing Richardson’s need to practice and improve with the need to keep him healthy has become the defining narrative of this year’s training camp.

Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp first gained attention after the quarterback reported mild soreness following the first week of padded practices. While initial tests—including X-rays and an MRI—ruled out structural damage like a tear or fracture, the Colts’ medical team decided to adjust his workload to avoid overtaxing the joint. Richardson was limited to non-contact drills for two days, focusing on footwork, playcalling, and throwing mechanics without engaging in full-team scrimmages or tackling drills. Head coach Shane Steichen emphasized that the move was precautionary: “Anthony’s shoulder is fine—we’re just being smart. We don’t want to push him too hard this early in camp when we have months of football ahead. His health for the regular season is what matters most.” Richardson, for his part, has embraced the modified schedule, using the extra time to study film with offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and work on refining his passing accuracy. The soreness subsided within days, but the Colts have maintained their monitoring protocol, a decision that reflects their long-term investment in the young quarterback.

A key part of Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp is the team’s use of advanced technology to track the shoulder’s health in real time. The Colts have outfitted Richardson with a wearable sensor on his throwing arm that measures range of motion, muscle activation, and joint stress during every throw. The data from the sensor is sent to the medical staff’s tablets instantly, allowing them to spot any irregularities—like a sudden decrease in arm speed or an unnatural throwing motion—before they lead to discomfort. Additionally, the team has brought in a specialist in quarterback shoulder health, Dr. James Andrews, to consult on Richardson’s training plan. Dr. Andrews, who has worked with NFL stars like Tom Brady and Drew Brees, recommended adjusting Richardson’s throwing routine to include more warm-up reps and shorter practice sessions to reduce cumulative stress on the shoulder. These technological and medical safeguards have given the Colts confidence that they’re doing everything possible to protect Richardson while still allowing him to develop his skills. For a quarterback known for his dual-threat ability—his 580 rushing yards last season were the most by a Colts rookie QB—maintaining shoulder health is crucial, as it impacts both his passing and his ability to break tackles and extend plays with his legs.

Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp also highlights the Indianapolis Colts’ depth at quarterback, which has allowed them to be flexible with Richardson’s workload. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, a six-year NFL veteran, has stepped into an expanded role during Richardson’s limited practices, taking most of the snaps in full-team drills and leading the offense in scrimmages. Minshew, who started 12 games for the Eagles in 2020, has proven to be a reliable fill-in, completing 68% of his passes in camp and connecting with wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on several deep touchdowns. Having Minshew on the roster has eased the pressure on Richardson to rush back into full action, as the Colts know they have a capable backup if Richardson needs more rest. The Indianapolis Colts’ front office invested in this depth intentionally, signing Minshew to a two-year contract in 2024 specifically to provide stability behind Richardson. General manager Chris Ballard explained the move last offseason: “You can never have enough good quarterbacks. If something happens to Anthony, we need someone who can step in and win games. Gardner gives us that.” This depth has been a cornerstone of the Colts’ approach to monitoring Richardson’s shoulder, as it allows them to prioritize health without sacrificing the offense’s development in camp.

Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp further underscores the Indianapolis Colts’ focus on long-term success over short-term gains. While some teams might push a franchise quarterback to practice fully to prepare for the preseason, the Colts have taken a patient approach, recognizing that Richardson’s career is far more important than a strong camp performance. This mindset aligns with the team’s overall rebuild, which has focused on building a competitive roster around young talent like Richardson, Pittman, and defensive tackle J.T. Tuimoloau. The Colts have also adjusted their entire offensive practice plan to reduce stress on Richardson’s shoulder, limiting the number of deep throws and designed runs for him in early camp. Instead, the offense has focused on short, high-percentage passes and quick-read plays that allow Richardson to get rid of the ball faster, reducing the time his shoulder is under tension. These adjustments have paid off: Richardson has looked sharp in non-contact drills, completing 75% of his passes and leading the offense to scoring drives in two of three mock games. The Indianapolis Colts’ willingness to adapt their plan shows that they’re committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure Richardson is healthy and productive for years to come.

The final takeaway from Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Monitored at Indianapolis Colts Camp is that it’s a story of proactive leadership rather than concern. The Colts have turned a minor scare into an opportunity to refine their training methods, strengthen their quarterback depth, and show their commitment to player health—all while keeping Richardson on track to have a breakout second season. As camp progresses, the team plans to gradually increase Richardson’s workload, with the goal of having him fully cleared for preseason games. Richardson himself has expressed confidence in the process: “The trainers and coaches have my back. I trust that they’re making the right decisions for my shoulder and for the team. I’m just focused on getting better every day, whether that’s in contact drills or in the film room.” For the Indianapolis Colts, Richardson’s shoulder monitoring isn’t just about avoiding injury—it’s about building a culture where player health and team success go hand in hand. As the regular season approaches, all signs point to Richardson being ready to lead the Colts’ offense, and the team’s careful approach to his shoulder will likely be remembered as a key part of their journey toward contention in the AFC South.