It sounds like teammates believe Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will improve after a dismal and short-lived rookie season.
“It’s great,” All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson said Tuesday of Richardson’s participation in the club’s optional offseason program, according to Mike Chappell of Fox59. “He is everything you could want in a quarterback. Seeing him work around the building in silence before stepping out and leading others. He has been really focused on the details, and he is looking excellent.”
Richardson enters the NFL as a raw prospect, taking the fourth pick in the 2023 draft. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen selected Richardson his full-time starter shortly after the team’s first preseason game, but the 21-year-old only made four starts before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery.
Richardson provides the Colts with “energy,” according to cornerback Kenny Moore II. “Obviously, there’s energy that wasn’t present last year. “Obviously, he was not in the building.”
As a rookie, Richardson completed 50 of 84 passes (59.5%) for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He also had 136 running yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.
“AR is excited, and I think we’re going to be explosive,” receiver Josh Downs said of his fellow 2023 rookie. “[He’s] kidding around a lot and assuming control of the team. He’s thrilled to be here. I’m truly seeing him develop and mature. Everyone, including me, is becoming closer to him every day. I see a genuine contender and a true player.”
A strained AC joint in Richardson’s right shoulder was not his only physical setback this season. He had a shot to the knee late in Indianapolis’ Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he suffered a concussion in Week 2.
While offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter agreed that “it’s good to get [Richardson] back,” he earlier stated that the quarterback must find “that sweet spot of being able to use [his] athleticism” and then “play that next play.”
As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook placed Richardson as the fourth favourite to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award for the next season, with odds of +750. To achieve such a goal, Richardson must first demonstrate his ability to stay healthy for more than a few high-level games.
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