Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Anthony Richardson still in concussion protocol

Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson remains in concussion protocol as of Monday afternoon, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen said.

Richardson and starting center Ryan Kelly, who’s also in the protocol, must participate in a non-contact and a contact practice in order to be cleared from the protocol ahead of Week 4’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams next Sunday.

Steichen does not yet know if Richardson will return when practice resumes Wednesday.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in April’s draft, was named the Colts’ No. 1 quarterback during training camp. He suffered the concussion in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.

Gardner Minshew started Week 3 for Indianapolis (2-1) at the Baltimore Ravens and completed 27 of 44 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown in the Colts’ 22-19 overtime win.

–Field Level Media

Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Deon Jackson (35) against Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (20) in the first quarter of a pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Colts releasing RB Deon Jackson

The Indianapolis Colts are releasing Week 1 starter Deon Jackson and signing fellow running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Jackson rushed for just 14 yards on 13 carries and gained only 14 yards on five receptions in the season-opening 31-21 loss to Jacksonville on Sept. 10.

Zack Moss got the start in Week 2 at Houston and gained 107 yards from scrimmage on 22 touches and scored on an 11-yard run in the Colts’ 31-20 victory.

With 2021 NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor still on the physically unable to perform list, Moss will remain the RB1 for the Colts (1-1) in Sunday’s game in Baltimore against the Ravens (2-0).

Jackson, 24, rushed for 281 yards and two touchdowns and caught 35 passes for 223 yards and one score in 27 games (three starts) over the last three seasons in Indianapolis. He was undrafted out of Duke in 2021.

Sermon, 24, was a third-round pick by San Francisco in 2021. He has rushed for 186 yards and one TD and has three receptions for 26 yards in 11 games (two starts) with the 49ers (2021) and Philadelphia Eagles (2022).

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) speaks with media Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, after fellow quarterback Anthony Richardson was named the starter.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew in line to start vs. Ravens

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew is in line to start this weekend after rookie Anthony Richardson sat out practice for the third consecutive day on Friday due to a concussion.

Minshew likely will be under center for the Colts (1-1) on Sunday against the host Baltimore Ravens (2-0).

Also on Friday, three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly did not participate in practice.

Minshew, 27, relieved Richardson in Indianapolis’ 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans last Sunday and completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards. He also tossed a touchdown pass to tight end Kylen Granson.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, was forced out of last Sunday’s contest for the second time in two career games when he absorbed a hard hit.

The Colts led the Texans 14-0 behind two Richardson TD runs when he left to be evaluated for a concussion. He was assisted to the sideline in the final minute of the game after trying to run the ball in for a score in a 31-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10.

Richardson, 21, is 30-of-47 passing for 279 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also has 13 carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson a spectator at practice

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson did not participate in practice on Thursday, per multiple media outlets.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, assumed the role of a spectator for the session while he remains in concussion protocol.

Richardson exited the Colts’ 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans last Sunday in the first half. Backup Gardner Minshew relieved Richardson and completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown toss to tight end Kylen Granson.

Minshew is in line to start if Richardson isn’t available this Sunday against the host Baltimore Ravens (2-0).

Richardson was forced out of last Sunday’s contest for the second time in two career games when he absorbed a hard hit.

The Colts led the Texans 14-0 behind two Richardson TD runs when he left to be evaluated for a concussion. In Week 1, he was assisted to the sideline in the final minute of the game after trying to run the ball in for a score against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Richardson, 21, is 30-of-47 passing for 279 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also has 13 carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) tries to tackle Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) as he rushes in a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Anthony Richardson in concussion protocol, not practicing

Quarterback Anthony Richardson remains in concussion protocol and unavailable to practice as the Indianapolis Colts prep for a Week 3 trip to Baltimore.

Gardner Minshew relieved Richardson on Sunday and guided the Colts to a 31-20 win, completing 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown toss to tight end Kylen Granson.

Coach Shane Steichen said Richardson is “in a good spot,” but plans to keep their communication private. Steichen said it’s possible the rookie can progress enough to be ready to play the Ravens on Sunday.

Starting center Ryan Kelly also missed Wednesday’s practice and is in concussion protocol.

Richardson was forced out of the game for the second time in two career games when he absorbed a hard hit. The Colts led the Texans 14-0 behind two Richardson TD runs when he left to be evaluated for a concussion. In Week 1, he was assisted to the sideline in the final minute of the game after trying to run the ball in for a score against the Jaguars.

Steichen shut down inquires about running back Jonathan Taylor, who is on the physically unable to perform list and hasn’t been with the team on gameday. Steichen said he wasn’t going to answer additional questions about Taylor, including whether he would be on the sideline with his teammates in Baltimore.

Richardson, 21, is 30-of-47 passing for 279 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also has 13 carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Anthony Richardson (concussion) out vs. Texans

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson departed early in the second quarter after suffering a concussion against the host Houston Texans on Sunday.

Richardson, the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, completed 6 of 10 attempts for 56 yards and rushed for a pair of touchdowns in the opening quarter.

Richardson, 21, capped a 10-play, 75-yard opening drive with an 18-yard touchdown run. After Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud fumbled on the ensuing Houston possession, Richardson extended the lead to 14-0 with a 15-yard scoring run on the first snap of the drive.

But Richardson slammed the back of his helmet on the turf on his second touchdown and was taken to the locker room and evaluated for a concussion. The Colts announced that he would not return to the game, leaving Gardner Minshew II to orchestrate the offense.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) attempts a pass as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols (91) rushes during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Texans QB C.J. Stroud (shoulder) listed as questionable vs. Colts

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the visiting Indianapolis Colts due to an injury to his throwing shoulder.

When Stroud injured the right shoulder isn’t immediately known. He was not on the team’s injury report on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Stroud reportedly rested the arm during most of Friday’s practice. In his debut last Sunday during a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Stroud was sacked five times and hit on 10 other occasions.

Stroud also completed 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards in his first NFL game.

Davis Mills is Houston’s backup quarterback. Last season, Mills tied with Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys with an NFL-worst 15 interceptions while throwing for 3,118 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Stroud was the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft. Sunday’s matchup is slated to be his first against No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson, the new quarterback of the Colts.

The Texans also listed standout offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee) and linebacker Neville Hewitt (illness) as questionable and ruled out safeties Jalen Pitre (chest) and Jimmie Ward (hip).

For the Colts, star guard Quenton Nelson (toe) and tight end Drew Ogletree (concussion) are listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) attempts a pass as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols (91) rushes during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Texans, Colts battle in showdown of rookie QBs

A good number of eyeballs around the league were focused intently on Atlanta, Baltimore and Indianapolis last weekend, scrutinizing the career-opening performances of the top three quarterbacks selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

And while Carolina quarterback Bryce Young, Houston rookie signal caller C.J. Stroud and the Colts’ Anthony Richardson all acquitted themselves well, they shared something else in common from their professional debuts: each tasted defeat.

In Week 2, Stroud and Richardson will square off against one another when the Texans face the visiting Colts on Sunday. Interest remains intense for the second and fourth overall selections, respectively, in terms of adaptability and the fact that one is likely to steer his team to victory for the first time.

For Richardson and Stroud, advancing that goal involves remaining upright and avoiding dangerous hits. The Ravens sacked Stroud five times, tied for the third-highest total from Week 1. Richardson absorbed four sacks plus additional blows while scrambling for 40 yards and a touchdown, hits that drew the attention of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who advised Richardson to learn the art of protecting himself to prolong his career.

“I think it’s just eliminating the big hits,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “When you can get out of bounds, get out of bounds and be smart. There’s a time and place for it. You’ve got to be smart, it’s a long season. Take care of your body.”

Richardson was otherwise impressive. He not only ran for a score but also completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pittman Jr. He passed for 223 yards, completed 24 of 37 attempts and showed the promise that enticed the Colts to draft Richardson and peg him as their starter.

“Very encouraged,” Steichen said. “I thought he did a really nice job and went to the right spots with the football. The completion percentage was good. We had some shots down the field, and he was smart with the football. They didn’t give them to us, and he checked it down.

“There’s little details to clean up like there will be every week but I feel encouraged with his first performance.”

Stroud failed to lead the Texans into the end zone during their 25-9 loss in Baltimore, but he flashed the poise and acumen that led to him earning the starting nod during the preseason.

Despite being under duress behind a makeshift offensive line compromised by injuries, Stroud finished 28-for-44 for 242 yards. He committed one turnover — a lost fumble — but the hallmarks of his nascent game were showcased, primarily his ability to get the ball out on time and accurately.

Progress is a process for Richardson and Stroud, and understanding that should facilitate growth.

“Creating a successful offense, it takes patience,” Stroud said. “Of course, no one wants to hear, even I don’t want to hear that, but it’s the truth. It’s just being better on my part. I have to control what I can control and be as best as I can getting guys in and out the huddle and things like that.

“Just practicing harder and making it (as) game-like as possible in practice. … Just practicing better and just getting better on my part is what I gotta do.”

Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt (illness), tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee) and safeties Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward (hip) didn’t practice on Wednesday. Receiver John Metchie III (hamstring) and tight end Dalton Schultz (thigh) were among those limited.

For the Colts, guard Quenton Nelson missed Wednesday’s practice with a toe injury, while tight end Drew Ogletree was a non-participant due to a concussion.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Shane Steichen watches the action on the field Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Travel ban? Colts to ‘talk about’ Jonathan Taylor joining team to Houston

Holdout running back Jonathan Taylor could travel with the Indianapolis Colts to Houston this week.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said the team would discuss whether Taylor is ready to join the team when it hits the road. Taylor is on the physically unable to perform list recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off the field before a meeting with owner Jim Irsay deepened the divide between the Pro Bowl running back and the Colts.

The Colts (0-1) lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 and Steichen wouldn’t say whether Taylor attended the home game.

As for whether he’s in the traveling party or not, Steichen said, “We’ll talk about that.”

NFL Network reported Wednesday that trade talks with the Colts and teams interested in Taylor could pick up this week as injuries and personnel concerns make needs more evident around the league.

Steichen said Wednesday that the Colts haven’t heard from the NFL or NFLPA regarding the legitimacy of Taylor’s ankle injury.

“No, all of those things that happen with that stuff, I’ll keep that internal,” Steichen said.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) chases after Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) as he rushes the ball Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Jaguars deal Colts defeat, spoil QB Anthony Richardson’s debut

A 14-point fourth quarter flurry helped the Jacksonville Jaguars spoil the debut of Colts rookie Anthony Richardson and escape Indianapolis with a 31-21 victory on Sunday.

Jacksonville owned the fourth quarter, flipping momentum for good with Tyson Campbell’s interception of Richardson to set up Travis Etienne’s 26-yard touchdown run, completing a swing from a 21-17 deficit to a 31-21 lead thanks to 14 points in a span of 66 seconds.

Trevor Lawrence passed for 241 yards and two touchdowns and Etienne had 77 rushing yards and five receptions for 27 yards. Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen had a career-best three sacks.

With 5:14 left in the game, Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby plowed 1 yard for a TD and Jacksonville reclaimed the lead 24-21. Jacksonville capped the 10-play drive with three consecutive rushing attempts.

Richardson was sacked four times. He had 40 rushing yards and a touchdown along with a TD pass. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 223 yards.

Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner gave the Colts a 21-17 lead in the third quarter with a bizarre sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and touchdown with 2:41 on the clock. Buckner hit Lawrence as he released a pass from the pocket inside his own 30-yard line. The ball bounced to Bigsby, but he dropped the ball on a hit by Zaire Franklin. Players reacted as if the pass was incomplete, but Buckner scooped it up and stomped down the left sideline for the score.

Richardson’s first NFL TD pass was a short throw behind the line to Michael Pittman Jr., who caught the ball on a bubble screen at the “40” painted on the turf and raced to the end zone to tie the game at 14 with 11:25 left in the third.

Lawrence threw a pair of TDs to stake the Jaguars to a 14-7 halftime lead, including a dime down the right side to a diving Zay Jones for an 18-yarder in the second quarter. The first score of the game was Lawrence to Calvin Ridley, which Richardson answered with a 2-yard run on a designed draw behind a convoy of blockers on the first play of the second quarter.

Jones made a highlight reel grab seven yards deep in the end zone, nudging for position while laying out for a well-placed toss from Lawrence.

Playing in his first game in 686 days and regular-season debut with Jacksonville, Ridley caught seven passes for 92 yards in the first half and finished with eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Without injured starter Jonathan Taylor for the first four games and top backup Zack Moss (inactive, forearm), Indianapolis employed a committee RB approach with poor results, including two lost fumbles from Deon Jackson, who had 13 carries for 14 yards.

Colts rookie running back Evan Hull left the game with a knee injury in the third quarter.

Richardson received medical attention but was able to walk to the sideline under his own power with 59 seconds left in the game trying to run for a touchdown and was replaced by Gardner Minshew.

–Field Level Media