Anthony Richardson Exits Game with Hip Injury, Joe Flacco Shines in Relief

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hip injury, marking another unfortunate moment in the young quarterback’s injury-riddled career. Richardson, who started strong in the first quarter, was hit twice by Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, forcing him to leave the game twice before ultimately being ruled out.

Richardson’s first hit came during a 14-yard scramble, where he took a hard blow to his hip, leading to his initial exit. Despite being visibly in pain, Anthony Richardson returned to the field briefly but was hit again by Fitzpatrick as he attempted to slide on a running play. This second hit, which appeared to target his head, caused further injury, and Richardson left the game for good, escorted by the Colts’ medical staff to the locker room.

In his absence, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco stepped in and threw a quick touchdown pass to Josh Downs, giving the Colts a 14-0 lead. The team later confirmed that Anthony Richardson would miss the remainder of the game due to his hip injury.

The focus on Anthony Richardson’s health has been a significant part of the Colts’ offseason, as his promising but injury-prone career continues to raise concerns. Drafted fourth overall in 2023, Richardson’s rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury that required surgery. Now, this hip injury adds another layer of uncertainty to his future durability.

While Anthony Richardson’s exit was a blow, the Colts showed resilience under Flacco’s leadership. With Richardson sidelined, Flacco’s experience will likely be crucial as Indianapolis navigates the remainder of the season, hoping their young franchise quarterback can recover quickly and avoid further setbacks.