Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned to practice on Thursday. Will Richardson eventually start over Philip Rivers?
Anthony Richardson Returns to Practice
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr. (orbital fracture/IR) throwing at practice. pic.twitter.com/pQc0WLUo8g
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 18, 2025
Richardson is back at practice.
Colts coach Shane Steichen announced that the team opened Richardson’s 21-day practice window.
Richardson has been in injured reserve for two months since suffering an orbital bone fracture during pregame warmups on Oct. 11. The freak accident involved a resistance band. Even after surgery, Richardson has not regained full vision in his eye.
“He still has some vision limitations in his eye, so we’re going to get him back on the practice field, get him throwing some scout team,” Steichen said of Richardson. “It’s good to get him back out there.”
When asked if Richardson’s vision will fully return, Steichen said, “I can’t answer that.” However, the Colts coach is happy to have the former first-round pick on the practice field.
As for Richardson, the quarterback said most things are back to normal.
“There’s not really major limitations,” Richardson said via ESPN. “It’s just a little different because of the impact in my eye, but most of it’s really the same. I was still able to move around the same and do everything I needed to do. So that’s not that bad.”
Richardson entered training camp in a quarterback competition with Daniel Jones. Richardson lost the battle and became the backup quarterback. The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has only appeared in two games this season.
Richardson has disappointed in his three seasons as a pro. Richardson is 177 of 350 (50.6%) for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 17 games.
The versatile quarterback has been much better as a runner, with 634 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Who Will Start at Quarterback?
Philip Rivers is feeling good after his first week back in the league 👏 pic.twitter.com/4B7TjNs9Bx
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 19, 2025
Richardson might be back at practice, but he’s not ready to play in games.
44-year-old Philip Rivers will remain the Colts’ starting quarterback. Because of the season-ending injury to Daniel Jones, the Colts recruited Rivers out of retirement.
In Week 15, Rivers suited up for his first NFL game since the 2020 season. Rivers finished 18 of 27 for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Rivers gave the Colts a chance to win, but a late field goal by Jason Myers gave the Seahawks an 18-16 win over the Colts.
Rivers will start for the Colts on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Colts’ playoff chances are dwindling. After an 8-2 start, the Colts have dropped four consecutive games, falling out of playoff contention.
