The Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans selected quarterbacks in the same draft. The Colts had the luxury of taking a quarterback at No. 4 overall, settling for pre-draft workout warrior Anthony Richardson. The Titans landed the sliding Will Levis with the 33rd pick.
Fast forward two campaigns and neither quarterback is the long-term solution for their respective club. The major difference? The Colts are still latching onto blind faith with Richardson, whereas the Titans selected Cam Ward No. 1 overall.
Richardson is entering a pivotal third season after failing to meet expectations as a rookie and sophomore. Among his shortcomings, Richardson was temporarily benched last year after willingly removing himself from a game due to tiredness. The Colts signed Daniel Jones this offseason and plan to have him compete for the starting job.
The latest update delivered more gloom-and-doom for Colts fans. Richardson is dealing with a shoulder injury that will force him to miss mandatory minicamp. Furthermore, head coach Shane Steichen said he hopes Richardson can come back "at some point" during training camp. A firm timeline was not provided.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson is injured until training camp
In a twist of irony, it's the same right shoulder Richardson injured in 2023 and subsequently had surgery on, per Jonathan Jones. That injury was the result of a hit delivered by then-Titans EDGE Harold Landry. Richardson continues to deal with the after affects.
Richardson's stint on the sideline could help Jones separate himself in Indianapolis' quarterback battle. While his performances have routinely come into question, Richardson is developing the reputation of an injury-prone QB. The former Florida standout has missed more games (19) than he's played in (15) through two seasons.
Richardson has completed just 50.6 percent of his career passing attempts. He's also thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (11). Richardson is quickly approaching "bust territory."
The Titans have been in the Colts' position before, forced to show extended loyalty to an early draft-pick quarterback. Right now, the Titans are incredibly thankful to roster a QB like Ward, one who possesses all the promise and potential in the world. The situation is much bleaker in Indianapolis, with Richardson suffering yet another setback.