Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts’ second-year quarterback, is eager for another opportunity to face a home-state team when the Miami Dolphins visit on Sunday. Richardson missed the Colts’ Week 6 game against Jacksonville, a disappointment for the Florida native. However, all signs point to his return from a right hip injury this week.
Richardson sounded optimistic ahead of Wednesday’s practice, his first full workout since exiting the Colts’ Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I’m able to move better, without any worries. Just confident in all of the movements, throwing the ball — confident with that,” Richardson said. “Just running around out there practicing, I’m confident with all that.”
Although his official status might not be confirmed until pregame warmups, his improved mobility and confidence are promising indicators for his potential return to action against Miami.
Anthony Richardson’s potential return to the field is great news for the Colts (3-3), who are trying to stay competitive in the AFC South, currently led by the Houston Texans (5-1). Richardson’s health has been a topic of increasing scrutiny, given that he’s missed 15 of his 23 NFL games and completed only four of the eight he has started. Concerns about his taking avoidable hits, his low completion percentage, and the number of interceptions he’s thrown have raised questions about whether he’s the best option to lead the Colts toward the playoffs.
Richardson addressed these concerns, acknowledging the risks but emphasizing the importance of pushing through if he’s able. “You’ve just got to be smart… but sometimes you’ve just got to be like, ‘I don’t care’ because sometimes the team needs you,” Richardson said. “If you’re able to do it without any major setbacks, then why not try to do it?”
If Richardson isn’t able to play or struggles to secure a fourth win in five games, the Colts have a reliable veteran in 39-year-old Joe Flacco. Flacco has helped guide the team to victories in two of his three appearances, providing stability in Richardson’s absence.
On the other side, the Miami Dolphins (2-3) have had their own quarterback challenges. Since Tua Tagovailoa went on injured reserve following a concussion in Week 2, Miami has been trying to adjust. Skylar Thompson started in Week 3, and Tyler Huntley has taken over for the last two games, during which the Dolphins have gone 1-2 and managed just 30 points. Even star receiver Tyreek Hill has struggled, with 13 catches for 132 yards during this stretch.
The Dolphins hope that a week off will help them reset. “It was great to have the bye week when we did,” Huntley said. “It gave us time to get a break… and I was able to get into my playbook.” Both teams are looking to bounce back with their quarterbacks playing pivotal roles in Sunday’s matchup.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been a fan of Anthony Richardson since his college days at Florida, impressed by the quarterback’s unique physical attributes. “I was like, ‘Wow, I haven’t seen that, really big, fast and has a cannon,’” McDaniel said, reflecting on Richardson’s skill set. He emphasized the need for “team defense” when facing Richardson, indicating the impact a player of his caliber can have on a game.
Miami safety Jevon Holland also acknowledged Richardson’s ability to challenge defenses, pointing to his 60-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce in Week 1 as a prime example. “A lot of the times, deep balls like that, you kind of just kick it,” Holland explained. “But with a quarterback with a cannon like that, you’ve got to just keep on going back.”
Both McDaniel and Holland’s comments highlight how Richardson’s combination of size, speed, and arm strength can stretch defenses and make it difficult to defend the deep ball. Their insights underline the challenge Miami’s defense will face if Richardson is fully healthy and able to play.
