Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson said he has been dealing with the most severe back spasms of his life, but he still wants to play Sunday when the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars to end their season.
Richardson, 22, missed practice last week and Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants which eliminated the Colts (7-9) from playoff contention.
“Last week was tough,” Richardson said Wednesday, when he didn’t participate in the team’s walkthrough. “I couldn’t even stand up on Tuesday, could barely even walk. … But I’m here, I’m standing now. If I can do everything in my power to get on the field, I’m going to do so.
“God willing, if I’m able to go out there with my teammates this week, it’s just great to finish off the season with a victory because that’ll just instill some confidence in us going into the offseason,” he continued. “Just find some ways to fine-tune certain things and just get better as players and just get better for the organization.”
Indianapolis selected Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he sustained an injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder in the win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. His season was over after just four games.
This season, Richardson has dealt with injuries and a demotion. He has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.
Joe Flacco started in his place last week, when Richardson was listed on the injury report for back soreness and a foot injury.
Richardson said he doesn’t expect to need surgery.
“I’ve been dealing with stuff like this since about eighth grade, but it’s never been this severe,” he said. “It was definitely a little scary last week, not being able to move. But, like I said, I’m standing up now and I’m looking forward to playing this week if I can.”
While Richardson said he is feeling better, he was estimated not to participate in the walkthrough. Head coach Shane Steichen has not ruled him out against the Jaguars (4-12).
“We’re hopeful,” Steichen said. “He’s working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we’ll see how the week progresses with that.”
