The Indianapolis Colts are activating the 21-day practice window for quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., who is on Injured Reserve after suffering a fractured orbital bone in his eye.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts appear to have their new starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2025 season in Philip Rivers. However, the man who previously held that title, Anthony Richardson Sr., is getting closer to returning to the field.
On Thursday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that the team is opening the 21-day practice window for Richardson, who has been on Injured Reserve with a fractured orbital bone injury (eye) since a freak accident occurred during pregame in Week 6.
"As I mentioned last week, Anthony returned for physical activity, but he still has some vision limitations in his eye," Steichen said. "So, we're gonna get him on the practice field, get him throwing, doing some scout team reps. It's just something that he's gonna have to manage throughout the process."
Steichen was noncommittal on whether the medical staff expects Richardson's vision issues to improve or whether Richardson will be able to play in 2025 if the opportunity arises.
While preparing in the locker room at Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 12 ahead of a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Richardson was using a resistance band when the bar that it was attached to dislodged and struck him in the face, bloodying him and sending him to the hospital in the process. The team placed him on IR the following week, and Richardson has been resting the eye ever since.
He has appeared in two games this season for the Colts, once in a blowout over the Tennessee Titans and in another against the Las Vegas Raiders. Richardson's gone 1-of-2 passing (50.0%) for 9 yards (4.5 YPA) and a 62.5 passer rating. He also has 4 carries for -1 yard.
In Richardson's absence recently, starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was replaced in the game by rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard, who also suffered a minor knee injury. Although Leonard practiced all of last week, the Colts drew on their past by signing the 44-year-old Rivers, who was the team's quarterback in 2020.
Rivers, Leonard, and Brett Rypien are the quarterbacks on the active roster, while Jones and Richardson are on IR.
Along with Richardson, Steichen also announced that safety Daniel Scott is having his practice window activated. He's been on IR with a knee injury since the week before Richardson.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.