NFL Quarterback Suffered Serious, Freak Injury During Pregame Warmups

The Indianapolis Colts won a game Sunday, but lost two players, including backup quarterback Anthony Richardson, to pregame injuries.

Richardson, who has been Indianapolis' No. 2 QB after losing his job to Daniel Jones over the summer, was a late scratch before the Colts' 31-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals earlier today. Rookie Riley Leonard served as Jones' understudy in Richardson's place.

After the game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen revealed that Richardson suffered an orbital fracture while working with an elastic band during warmups. He was taken to the hospital and will have to miss time.

Richardson was one of two Indianapolis players to get knocked out before kickoff, with cornerback Charvarius Ward suffering a concussion after colliding with a teammate while working out on the field before the game.

New report shares potential details

According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, Richardson's injury actually occurred in the Colts' locker room. Players typically attach the resistance cords to a machine while using them.

"That device, the source said, malfunctioned and the band forcefully hit Richardson in the face. He was taken to a hospital," Holder wrote.

No other details are available, but orbital fractures occasionally require surgery to repair. Hopefully, Richardson doesn't need that, and if he does, may he recover fully and quickly.

Richardson already plagued by injuries

Richardson has not had the start to his pro career he or the Colts envisioned after the team selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

A shoulder injury cost Richardson all but four games of his rookie season, and he missed two games at the end of 2024 due to a back ailment. When he did see the field, Richardson's play was erratic, and he was briefly benched for veteran Joe Flacco during last season.

The Colts signed Jones in the offseason with the intention of having him compete for the starting job, and the former New York Giants quarterback has been nothing short of stellar in leading Indianapolis to a 5-1 start.

Richardson was unlikely to see the field anytime soon unless Jones got hurt. Now, with his own injury to worry about, it's unclear when the University of Florida alum will return to the field.