Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. suffered the most random of fluke injuries during pregame warmups ahead of the team’s 31-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While warming up with resistance bands in the locker room, Richardson suffered an orbital fracture, according to multiple reports.
To add insult to injury (literally), Richardson’s absence isn’t expected to be short. Stephen Holder of ESPN reported that the injury is so significant that the third-year quarterback is expected to be out multiple games.
The next steps with Anthony Richardson/Colts QB room, according to sources:
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 13, 2025
The Colts are still trying to determine how much time Richardson will miss, but he WILL be sidelined a while. The question then becomes do they sign a QB or roll w rookie Riley Leonard as No. 2? (more)
“The swelling is so significant that Richardson's vision is temporarily impaired, though there is not believed to be any damage to his eye,” Holder wrote.
With Richardson set to be out longer than anticipated, rookie Riley Leonard, a sixth-round pick from Notre Dame, will serve as the backup to Daniel Jones until Richardson is fully healed. How long that will be, the Colts are still sorting out.
Still, the Colts will consider signing a veteran to fill the gap, a Colts source told Holder.
“The Colts, according to a source, will consider signing a veteran to back up Jones depending on Richardson's timeline. But given the dearth of options in free agency, Leonard is under consideration for the job.”
Assuming Jones is able to stay healthy, then Richardson’s injury won’t cause any issues for the Colts as they look to keep building off their 5-1 start to the season.