Colts’ Anthony Richardson departs preseason tilt vs. Ravens

BALTIMORE — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. sustained a finger injury in the first quarter of Thursday’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens and will not return to the game, the team said.

Richardson started the game amid the quarterback battle he’s engaged in with veteran Daniel Jones. On his second possession, Richardson dropped back but was sacked by unblocked linebacker David Ojabo from the right side as Richardson turned his head and looked to deliver the ball to a receiver on his left. It did not appear that Richardson ever saw Ojabo.

Richardson went to the sideline and was examined by trainers, then attempted to grip and throw a ball a few times. But the team quickly ruled him out of the game, and Jones replaced Richardson in the lineup.

Television replays seemed to show Richardson’s right pinkie finger pointing at an awkward angle before he got up and jogged off the field.

The game was expected to be Richardson’s next step in trying to retain his starting job after the Colts signed Jones during the offseason to a one-year, $14 million deal to compete with Richardson. The Colts were planning to play Richardson for most of the first half while allowing Jones to play roughly the same amount in next week’s preseason matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The goal was to evaluate the quarterbacks in extensive action and then proceed toward a final decision on a starter. Thursday’s injury might force a modification of that plan depending on Richardson’s diagnosis.

Injuries have consistently marred Richardson’s career. He missed 13 games as a rookie in 2023 with injuries and missed another four games last season with two separate injuries.

The Colts decided against playing their offensive line veterans in Thursday’s game, despite having their potential starting quarterback under center. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann, left guard Quenton Nelson and right tackle Braden Smith were all held out.