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The Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens took an ominous turn when third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a dislocated pinky finger on his throwing hand. This latest setback in Richardson’s injury-plagued career has reignited concerns about his durability while complicating the Colts’ quarterback competition with veteran Daniel Jones.
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The Injury Play: What Happened
Richardson’s injury occurred just eight minutes into the game during his second offensive series. A missed protection read allowed Ravens linebacker David Ojabo a free lane to deliver a crushing blindside sack that dislocated the quarterback’s pinky finger :cite[4]. Despite completing 2-of-3 passes for 21 yards in his brief appearance, Richardson was forced to exit the game prematurely.
“I feel like I was doing decent out there, besides that one play right there,” Richardson said postgame. “But everything happens for a reason. Still got next game, so I’m not too worried about it” :cite[1]. The Colts medical staff popped the finger back into place on-site, with head coach Shane Steichen labeling Richardson as “day to day” :cite[4].
Daniel Jones’ Mixed Performance as Replacement
Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, signed to a one-year $14 million contract this offseason, took over for Richardson but failed to seize the opportunity decisively. His Colts debut mirrored much of his inconsistent Giants career:
| Quarterback | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TD Drives | Notable Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Richardson | 2/3 | 21 | 0 | Exited with finger injury |
| Daniel Jones | 10/21 | 144 | 0 | Led two field goal drives |
| Riley Leonard (R) | 12/24 | 92 | 1 | 21-yard rushing scramble |
Jones showed flashes of competence, including two 20+ yard completions, but couldn’t lead any touchdown drives in the 24-16 loss. “Some good, some bad,” Jones admitted. “Caught a rhythm there at points… but a couple things here and there kept us from getting in the end zone” :cite[2].
Richardson’s Injury History: Concerning Pattern
This latest injury continues a troubling trend for the 2023 fourth overall pick:
- 2023 Rookie Season: Played just 4 games before season-ending shoulder injury
- 2024 Sophomore Season: Missed 6 games due to two separate injuries
- 2025 Preseason: Dislocated pinky finger after 3 pass attempts
- Career Stats: 15 TD passes, 13 INTs, 13 rushing TDs in 15 games
As reported by ESPN, Richardson’s inability to stay healthy has become the biggest obstacle to fulfilling his immense potential.
Colts’ Quarterback Dilemma: Short and Long-Term Implications
With Richardson shut down for the remainder of the preseason :cite[3], the Colts face several critical decisions:
- Immediate QB Plan: Jones will likely start remaining preseason games while Richardson recovers
- Regular Season Readiness: Can Richardson develop chemistry with receivers while limited?
- Long-Term Evaluation: At what point do injuries outweigh potential?
- Rookie Development: Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard showed flashes but remains raw
The NFL Network notes that Richardson’s finger injury, while not serious, compounds existing concerns about his durability in Shane Steichen’s offense.
Defensive Woes Compound Colts’ Problems
While quarterback concerns dominate headlines, Indianapolis suffered another significant blow when rookie cornerback Justin Walley tore his ACL during joint practices with the Ravens :cite[4]. The third-round pick from Minnesota had been pushing for a starting role, leaving the Colts’ secondary dangerously thin alongside existing injuries to JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones.
As the Colts prepare for their next preseason matchup, all eyes remain on Richardson’s recovery timeline and whether he can finally overcome the injury bug that has defined his young career. With the regular season opener looming on September 7, Indianapolis faces mounting pressure to stabilize both their quarterback situation and defensive backfield.
For more analysis on the Colts’ quarterback competition, visit Sports Illustrated’s latest coverage.
