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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson revealed Wednesday that he’s been dealing with a lower back issue that “might be chronic.”
The second-year pro was ruled out for last week’s game against the New York Giants due to back and foot injuries, though it’s his back that’s the main problem. Richardson recently underwent an MRI that he said revealed a “disc thing,” and his status for the Colts’ regular-season finale against the Jaguars remains in question.
Colts coach Shane Steichen initially said last week that Richardson was “really sore” before adding after the Giants loss that Richardson was dealing with back spasms. Richardson provided even more detail Wednesday, when he was an estimated “DNP” on the injury report on a day where the Colts didn’t officially practice but held a walkthrough.
“Last week was tough. I couldn’t even stand up on Tuesday, could barely even walk, crawling around the house,” Richardson said. “But I’m here. I’m standing now. If I can do everything in my power to get on the field, I’mma do so. That was my mindset last week as well, but I could barely move.”
Asked if he’s ever dealt with back spasms before, Richardson said “he’s been dealing with stuff like this since eighth grade, but it’s never been this severe.” Richardson said his back issues stem from a “disc thing” that he’s had for a while and it got “triggered” last week.
Richardson said he thought his back pain stemmed from frequently working out and running around, but now that he’s been made aware it’s a disc problem, he’s hopeful that he’ll be able to treat and manage it.
“It might be chronic, but there’s plenty of ways to prevent it (from) going on in the future,” Richardson said. “Now that I know what it is, I can find certain ways to stay out of certain positions and just make sure I’m healthy, 100 percent.”
Richardson added that he doesn’t believe he’ll need surgery.
“They say it’s not that severe,” Richardson said. “But God willing, I hope it never gets that severe or to that point. I just hope I can just keep playing throughout the rest of my career with no problems.”
Richardson is arguably the most athletic QB in NFL Scouting Combine history, which is a big reason the Colts selected him with the No. 4 pick in 2023 despite just 13 starts at Florida. However, Richardson has missed three games this season and 16 games through his first two NFL seasons due to shoulder, back and oblique injuries, as well as a concussion.
The 22-year-old was also benched for two games this season because he wasn’t focused enough during his preparation, according to Steichen. Richardson has gone 3-2 as the starter since returning to the starting lineup, and he’s 6-5 this season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns against 12 interceptions, and his 47.7 completion percentage ranks last in the NFL. Richardson has also scored six rushing touchdowns.
Richardson said he’s aware of the critics, many of whom have labeled him injury-prone, and that they have a right to their opinion since he’s missed a significant amount of games. He added that all he can do is work hard and try his best to be available in the future.
“Hopefully, next year — or this week coming up if I’m able to go – hopefully, I don’t miss any games and I can just stay healthy and just play,” Richardson said.
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(Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
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