Anthony Richardson celebrates his comeback; Michael Pittman Jr. dodges significant injury.
Anthony Richardson dropped back to pass on Wednesday, evaded pressure by rolling to his left, and launched a football down the sideline. Tight end Kylen Granson made an exceptional catch, contorting his body to secure the ball while staying in bounds. The Indianapolis Colts’ offense celebrated the play, but the defense disputed whether it was a catch. Ultimately, the referees ruled it a catch, marking a highlight-reel moment during 7-on-7 drills.
For Richardson, this moment was significant as it marked his return to football activities after suffering a severe AC joint sprain to his throwing shoulder last season. He underwent surgery in October and has been working on his recovery since then. Richardson’s return to the field coincided with his 22nd birthday, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
Despite occasional soreness in his shoulder as he readjusts to game speed, Richardson is feeling confident and eager to showcase his skills on the field. He emphasized that he does not plan to change his playing style to avoid injury, describing his injury last year as unlucky rather than a result of his playing style.
Colts coach Shane Steichen acknowledged Richardson’s return and praised his performance during OTAs. Richardson’s connection with Granson during practice demonstrated his potential impact on the field, with Steichen highlighting the importance of such plays for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
While Richardson’s return to form is a positive development for the Colts, the team faced a scare during practice when star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. went down with a knee injury. Fortunately, the injury does not appear to be serious, providing a sigh of relief for the team as they continue their offseason preparations.
Overall, the Colts are focused on building chemistry and cohesion among their players during OTAs, with an eye toward a successful season ahead.
