Anthony Richardson Injury Update: Daniel Jones Takes the Field in First Quarter

The Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener didn’t exactly go as planned. What was supposed to be a chance to see Anthony Richardson show off his offseason progress quickly turned into a major talking point and not for the reasons fans had hoped. In a surprising twist early in the first quarter, Richardson suffered an injury to his throwing hand, forcing him to exit the game just two drives in. This opened the door for Daniel Jones, the former New York Giants quarterback, to take the field much earlier than expected.

The moment Richardson walked off the field holding his hand, speculation spread like wildfire. Was it serious? Would he be out for weeks? Was this the same throwing hand he had shoulder surgery on just last year? As it turns out, the injury was a dislocated pinky finger on his right (throwing) hand not ideal, but not devastating either. Head coach Shane Steichen later confirmed the pinky had "popped out and popped back in," and Richardson is now considered day-to-day. While the injury doesn’t appear to threaten his regular-season availability just yet, it’s enough to put some pressure on both Richardson and the coaching staff. 

Meanwhile, Daniel Jones seized the opportunity to prove himself. He stepped in cold and managed a solid performance through the first half, completing 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards. For a guy still adjusting to a new offense and roster, it wasn’t a bad showing at all. In fact, it might be just enough to heat up the ongoing quarterback competition in Indianapolis.

This unexpected turn of events has shaken up what many thought would be a clear QB1 path for Richardson. Now, with his pinky on the mend and Daniel Jones building momentum, Colts fans are left wondering who will be under center when Week 1 kicks off?

Anthony Richardson’s Injury – What Happened?

Timeline of Events During the Preseason Game

It all unfolded quickly. Just minutes into the Colts’ first preseason game against the Ravens, Anthony Richardson took the field with high expectations. Fans were eager to see how he’d perform after months of rehab and recovery from shoulder surgery. But during only his second drive, disaster struck. On a seemingly routine play, Richardson was hit while throwing and immediately grabbed his right hand. He exited the field and didn’t return a clear sign that something was off.

Initially, the severity of the injury was unclear. Was it just a stinger? Was it related to his previous shoulder issue? As cameras zoomed in, it became clear that Richardson was favoring his pinky finger, holding it awkwardly. The mood on the Colts sideline shifted, and all eyes turned to Daniel Jones, who began warming up.

Official Injury Status & Coach’s Statement

After the game, head coach Shane Steichen addressed the media and confirmed the nature of the injury. “It was his pinky,” Steichen said. “It popped out, and they popped it back in.” The coach added that Richardson was being evaluated and is officially listed as day-to-day.

The pinky injury, while not catastrophic, is still concerning especially since it affects Richardson’s throwing hand. Even a minor dislocation can interfere with grip strength, ball control, and overall accuracy. For a young quarterback trying to cement his place as the starter, any missed reps are a setback.

Recap of Richardson’s Shoulder Recovery Before the Game

Richardson’s preseason appearance was especially meaningful because it marked his return from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for much of last season. He underwent surgery to repair an AC joint in his right shoulder and had spent the offseason focused on rehab. By July, reports from training camp were promising. Richardson was throwing again, participating in full-team drills, and showing signs of improved accuracy and decision-making.

Many believed he had the upper hand in the QB competition with Daniel Jones. But with this latest pinky injury  however minor it may seem there’s a new wrinkle in the Colts’ quarterback plans.

Daniel Jones Steps Up – Performance Breakdown

First Quarter Stats & Game Impact

When Anthony Richardson went down early in the first quarter, Daniel Jones was thrust into action much sooner than anyone expected. It was his first official snap in a Colts uniform and all eyes were suddenly on him. Coming off a rocky tenure with the New York Giants, Jones is looking for a fresh start in Indianapolis, and this unexpected playing time gave him the perfect platform to prove he still belongs in the conversation.

Jones finished the first half going 10-of-21 for 144 yards, with a few standout throws that highlighted his veteran experience. While he didn’t find the end zone, his calm pocket presence and ability to lead multiple drives kept the offense moving. He connected well with the Colts’ second-string receivers and made smart decisions under pressure. Given that he hadn’t expected to see meaningful action so early, his performance was more than respectable.

Comparing Richardson vs Jones – QB Battle Insights

Heading into training camp, most analysts assumed Anthony Richardson would secure the QB1 role, provided he stayed healthy. The Colts invested heavily in him, and his upside as a dual-threat quarterback is undeniable. However, Daniel Jones is no slouch he’s started over 50 games in the NFL and brings valuable experience to the table.

Statistically, Jones outperformed Richardson in this particular game simply by having more time on the field. While Richardson completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards before his exit, Jones had more opportunities to showcase his abilities. This head-to-head preseason comparison may be limited, but it plants a seed: could Jones push harder for the starting job if Richardson continues to battle injuries?

What This Means for the Colts’ Week 1 Plans

With Richardson now day-to-day and the regular season fast approaching, the Colts coaching staff is facing a tricky decision. Should they keep Richardson sidelined to ensure a full recovery, or fast-track his return to reestablish him as the starter? Meanwhile, Daniel Jones has a chance to keep building momentum. If he performs well in the remaining preseason games, he could very well take the Week 1 reins especially if Richardson’s pinky isn’t 100% healed.

For now, expect a cautious approach. But one thing’s clear: the quarterback battle in Indianapolis just got a lot more interesting.

Conclusion

What started as a routine preseason game quickly became one of the biggest storylines of the weekend for the Indianapolis Colts. Anthony Richardson, fresh off a long rehab from shoulder surgery, was supposed to be the focal point of the offense. Instead, a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand abruptly ended his outing, leaving fans worried and the coaching staff with big decisions to make.

While the injury may not be serious in the long term, its timing is less than ideal. Richardson needs all the reps he can get as a young quarterback. Missing valuable preseason snaps could slow down his development and in a year where the Colts are trying to turn the corner, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

Enter Daniel Jones. The veteran quarterback, newly acquired and eager to prove he still has what it takes, made the most of his unexpected chance. With over 140 passing yards in the first half alone, he showed poise and command of the offense enough to at least raise some eyebrows.

So, what’s next? Will the Colts stay committed to Richardson despite his injury? Or is this the beginning of a real quarterback competition?

Let us know your take in the comments, who should start Week 1: Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones? 🏈