Indianapolis Colts fans have high hopes for quarterback Anthony Richardson this year.

After teasing an impressive rookie campaign in 2023, injury disbarred him from finishing the season. However, Richardson could be in for a big year in 2024.

His teammate, linebacker E.J. Speed, made a recent appearance on “Up and Adams”, teasing for a revelation this coming season.

Of course, with Speed being on the defensive end of the ball, he’ll be watching on the sideline along with the rest of the fan base. As such, he’ll either cheer or hang his head at the same time as everyone else.

Continuing to talk about his quarterback, Speed noted the humility Richardson displayed when he had to hand the job to Gardner Minshew. Richardson didn’t pout or hope for disaster to strike in his absence.

Speaking about the status of the team in 2024, Speed said the Colts were “flourishing.” This sets perhaps higher expectations for Richardson in 2024 than he had in 2023.

Anthony Richardson continues Aaron Rodgers-like injury timeline

Anthony Richardson is on an almost Aaron Rodgers-esque pace when it comes to injuries.

Both quarterbacks arrived with a new organization in early 2023. After an offseason of questions, both players, however, answered few of them.

Rodgers’ season was ended after four plays. Anthony Richardson’s season was over after four full games. Both players fought through recovery. Coincidentally, both suffered worrisome small injuries during OTAs and minicamp. Per Colts media, Richardson had shoulder soreness. Meanwhile, a viral video surfaced online of Rodgers nursing an apparent right leg injury.

Now, both players are slated to have roughly a month to fully recover from their injuries.

Of course, while the comparison of the mere timing of events is amusing on some level, it raises concerns. Richardson, heading into his second year, has matched roughly the health of a 40-year-old quarterback.

It’s still early in his career, but it is concerning to see so much trouble with his health so early. Fans can only hope that the quarterback got unlucky at the worst time. As soon as it becomes a pattern over multiple years, the Colts may wish to pre-emptively take action to avoid another injury-prone quarterback like Andrew Luck.

Will the health pendulum swing the other way for Anthony Richardson?

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