Chris Ballard Prioritizes Anthony Richardson’s Rehab as Colts Past Continues to Haunt GM

Injuries can be severe, affecting the chance to play on game days and the entire season. That happened with Anthony Richardson, whose rookie season was abruptly wrapped up due to shoulder surgery.

The Indianapolis Colts quarterback is progressing according to the planned timeline but is no longer ahead of the schedule. This distinction is significant for the franchise dealing with the player’s situation. Considering this and a haunting experience in the past, the team, as well as Colts general manager Chris Ballard, are concerned about Richardson. Take a look at what Ballard said recently.

Chris Ballard asked for forgiveness?

In a recent press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, Colts GM Chris Ballard recalled Andrew Luck’s injury phase and spoke on Anthony Richardson’s ongoing situation. Ballard said, “Really happy about where he’s [Richardson] at. He started throwing. He’s on a rehab program. We’re not gonna – like, I lived through the last one [Luck’s injury] and I learned a lot of lessons living through the last one. Forgive me for being a little cautious. I know Anthony has made some statements that it’s important to be ahead of schedule. We’re here to pull the reins to make sure we don’t get too far ahead of schedule and we’re staying with whatever the doctors are telling us.”

Ballard recalled their challenges with Luck after the 2016 and 2018 seasons. Despite expressing confidence that Luck had overcome his injuries, they eventually learned these setbacks had diminished his passion for the game. Luck retired during the 2019 preseason, leading to a series of changes in the quarterback position in the team until they drafted the No. 4 overall pick last year, Richardson.

This quarterback showed promise with dynamic plays in his rookie season with an 87.3 QB rating but suffered an AC joint sprain that cut his season short.

What’s the current status of Anthony Richardson?

After the season ended, Anthony Richardson revealed that he initially hesitated about undergoing surgery because he was eager to play in his rookie season. However, after consulting with various doctors, training staff, and receiving input from his agent and family, he decided that long-term recovery was the best choice. This decision was influenced by the realization that attempting to play without proper recovery might limit him to running only, whereas he said, “I don’t want to just run the ball. I want to throw it, too.”

Despite facing his first significant injury since high school at 21, Richardson and the Colts believe in his potential for a successful career. The recovery process has involved a cautious approach, delaying his return to throwing to ensure a proper recovery. However, the doctors had set a date for him to throw again in February, and Richardson, who expressed eagerness and determination to return to full strength, posted a video from his workouts back on the field in Jacksonville.

However, he is adhering to the doctors’ guidance and following a well-structured throwing program, as he is not fully back yet.

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