Colts’ Good News About Anthony Richardson Is Ultimately Meaningless—Well, It’s Something

The latest updates on Anthony Richardson have sparked cautious optimism among Indianapolis Colts fans: the 23-year-old quarterback returned to practice on December 18, 2025, after the team opened his 21-day window from injured reserve. He downplayed lingering “vision limitations” from his October orbital fracture, insisting things feel “mostly the same.” Yet, in a season spiraling toward irrelevance, this “good news” feels hollow. The Colts, slumping at 8-6 with faint playoff hopes (around 8-10% per models), are sticking with 44-year-old Philip Rivers as starter. Richardson won’t play Monday against the San Francisco 49ers, and his activation for the final games remains uncertain. It’s progress… but ultimately meaningless for 2025.

The “Good News”: Practice Return and Downplayed Concerns

Richardson’s freak injury—a resistance band apparatus snapping and striking his face during pregame warmups on October 12—sidelined him indefinitely. Initial fears of permanent damage gave way to surgery and rest. By mid-December, he was cleared for physical activity, ramping up throwing and running.

On Thursday, the Colts designated him for return, allowing scout-team reps. Richardson spoke positively: “There’s not really major limitations… Most of it’s really the same.” He expressed eagerness to contribute, even wearing a visor as precaution.

Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the bone healed but noted ongoing vision issues Richardson must “manage.” Still, it’s a step forward—no season-ending shutdown.

Why It’s Ultimately Meaningless for Now

Here’s the rub: Philip Rivers remains the starter. The veteran, unretired after Daniel Jones’ Achilles tear, nearly rallied Indy in a Week 15 loss to Seattle (18-27, 120 yards, TD). Steichen praised Rivers’ stability, committing to him against the 49ers and likely beyond.

Richardson? Explicitly inactive Monday, with no firm timeline for game action. The Colts’ offense lacks explosiveness under Rivers—low air yards, conservative play—but prioritizes wins now over development.

Indy’s playoff odds hover low after four straight losses. Tough remaining slate: 49ers, Jaguars, Texans. Models give slim chances; a miss means no postseason reps for Richardson anyway.

This season was already lost for AR: lost QB competition to Jones, garbage-time snaps only pre-injury. His return aids conditioning and offseason prep, but changes nothing materially in 2025.

Well, It’s Something: Long-Term Silver Lining

Dismiss it entirely? Not quite. At 23, Richardson’s elite traits—arm strength, mobility—remain the franchise bet. Practice reps now jump-start 2026 prep, especially mentoring under Rivers (whom AR sought advice from pre-comeback).

Overcoming this scary injury builds resilience. Downplaying vision concerns reassures on health. If cleared fully, late-season snaps (should Indy fade) offer evaluation without pressure.

GM Chris Ballard views Richardson as viable long-term; this blip doesn’t alter that.

The Bigger Picture: Colts’ QB Chaos

2025 epitomizes Indy turmoil: Jones wins job, excels early, injures; Rivers saves interim; Richardson lurks injured. Playoff push falters amid it all.