Colts Nation Shaken: Anthony Richardson’s Dislocated Finger Sparks Concern Over Early-Season Setback

Indianapolis Colts fans were dealt an unexpected jolt this week when news broke that quarterback Anthony Richardson had suffered a dislocated finger during a recent practice session. The injury, while not season-ending, has already stirred up worry among the fan base, with many fearing it could disrupt the team’s rhythm heading into the 2025 NFL season.

Richardson, who enters this season as the Colts’ unquestioned starter after a rocky but promising rookie campaign, sustained the injury during a passing drill. According to reports, the incident occurred when his throwing hand collided awkwardly with a teammate’s helmet. Medical staff immediately attended to him, and while initial tests ruled out fractures, the dislocation required on-the-spot treatment.

Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the injury in a post-practice media session, noting that Richardson’s finger had been “popped back into place” and that the team was taking a cautious approach to his recovery. “It’s not something we want to rush,” Steichen explained. “We’ll evaluate him day-to-day and make sure he’s comfortable gripping and throwing the football before putting him back in action.”

The timing of Richardson’s injury couldn’t be worse for Indianapolis. The young quarterback had been showing signs of growth in training camp, demonstrating improved decision-making and accuracy—two areas the coaching staff emphasized in the offseason.

Analysts had noted that Richardson appeared more poised in the pocket, with sharper footwork and better chemistry with his receivers. This year was supposed to be a crucial step forward in his development, and losing valuable reps—even for a short stretch—could hinder that progress.

The Colts had also been using training camp to install new wrinkles in their offensive playbook, hoping to take advantage of Richardson’s dual-threat abilities. Now, those plans may need to be put on hold until he can fully participate again.

On social media, the news triggered a flurry of reactions from Colts fans—ranging from cautious optimism to outright panic. Many supporters pointed out that hand injuries, even minor ones, can significantly impact a quarterback’s throwing mechanics and confidence.

Others tried to keep things in perspective, noting that NFL quarterbacks have played through dislocated fingers before without long-term issues. Still, for a franchise that has struggled to find stability under center since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019, any injury to its potential franchise quarterback sets off alarm bells.

While a dislocated finger might not sound like a major injury compared to torn ligaments or broken bones, for a quarterback it can be particularly disruptive. Throwing a football at NFL speed and distance requires precise finger placement and control. Even mild swelling or tenderness can alter grip strength, leading to reduced accuracy or velocity.

Sports medicine specialists note that most dislocated fingers heal within a few weeks if there’s no additional ligament damage. However, the recovery timeline can be unpredictable, especially if the injury affects the dominant throwing hand—as in Richardson’s case.

Dr. Marcus Langford, a hand specialist who has worked with professional athletes, explained the situation in general terms: “If the joint is stable after reduction [putting the finger back in place], and there’s minimal soft tissue damage, players can return fairly quickly. But the biggest challenge is regaining full flexibility and eliminating discomfort during the throwing motion.”

The Colts coaching staff faces a delicate decision in the coming days: whether to ease Richardson back into action during preseason games or keep him sidelined until Week 1. Sitting him too long could limit his readiness for the regular season, but pushing him too soon risks aggravating the injury.

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew is expected to take more snaps with the first-team offense in Richardson’s absence. While Minshew’s experience offers some stability, the team’s offense is clearly built around Richardson’s athleticism and big-play potential.

Steichen emphasized that the team won’t compromise Richardson’s long-term health for short-term preseason reps. We want him at 100% when it counts,” he said. “The preseason is important, but not at the expense of the regular season.

The Colts entered 2025 with measured optimism. A mix of young talent and experienced veterans had positioned the team as a potential playoff contender in the AFC South, especially with Richardson expected to take a leap in his second season.

If Richardson recovers quickly, this incident might fade into the background as a minor hiccup in an otherwise promising year. But if the injury lingers—or if he struggles to regain his form—the Colts could find themselves fighting an uphill battle.

The AFC South remains competitive, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans also eyeing playoff spots. Every missed practice or preseason rep for Richardson could give division rivals an early advantage.

Colts fans are no strangers to early-season adversity. From Luck’s injuries to Carson Wentz’s foot surgery in 2021 and Matt Ryan’s struggles in 2022, the team has often had to navigate unexpected hurdles before the regular season even begins. This latest setback, while far less severe than some in the past, still fits the pattern of preseason turbulence that Indianapolis has struggled to shake.

Longtime season-ticket holder Maria Reynolds summed up the mood best: “We’ve been through a lot as fans. We just want a year where our quarterback starts healthy and stays healthy. Is that too much to ask?”