INDIANAPOLIS — Former Colts starter Anthony Richardson still has not been cleared to return to football activity, according to Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen.
Richardson has been on injured reserve since Oct. 13, one day after suffering a severe eye injury in a freak pregame accident. A pole Richardson had tied a resistance band to for pregame work snapped, fracturing the quarterback’s orbital bone and forcing him to undergo surgery.
The injury was severe enough that Richardson has not been cleared to return to football activities. Steichen said last week that Richardson has begun working out in the weight room, but he has not been cleared for football activities.
“He’s not ready yet,” Steichen said.
Indianapolis is in dire need of a quarterback.
Daniel Jones, the team’s starter this season, tore his right Achilles tendon early in the team’s loss to Jacksonville on Sunday, and rookie backup Riley Leonard emerged from the game with a knee injury that threatens his availability for Sunday’s game against Seattle.
But the injuries the Colts are facing at quarterback will not lead to Indianapolis suddenly clearing Richardson.
“He won’t be this week,” Steichen said. “Obviously, it’s an eye, it’s very delicate. He’s just resting it, and once the doctors and the trainers clear him to be activated, that’s where it’s at right now. (He’s) still healing up.”
It is not clear if Richardson will be able to return at any point this season.
“We’ll see,” Steichen said. “He’s progressing. Once they get the clearance, I’ll let you guys know.”
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter
