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Update, Sept. 29 — Richardson will start against the Rams, while Gardner Minshew will return to the bench in Week 4.
Colts coach Shane Steichen: Anthony Richardson cleared concussion protocol and will start Sunday's game.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 29, 2023
Update, Sept. 28 — Richardson was listed as a full practice participant again on Thursday. If all goes well on Friday, he should be able to suit up for the Colts against the Rams on Sunday.
For the second straight day, the Colts listed QB Anthony Richardson as a full participant in practice, putting him on track to play Sunday vs. the Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2023
Update, Sept. 27 — Richardson officially practiced in full, making it very likely he will be cleared of his concussion and be able to play against the Rams in Week 4.
Update, Sept. 27 AM — Richardson remains in the concussion protocol, but will return to practice on Wednesday. He will likely be listed as a limited participant, but it’s a positive sign for this week’s game.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen says QB Anthony Richardson (concussion) and C Ryan Kelly (concussion) are still in the protocol but will practice today.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 27, 2023
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen shared on Monday that quarterback Anthony Richardson is still in concussion protocol. The rookie QB entered protocol last week following their Week 2 victory over the Houston Texans, a game that he exited in the first half after hitting his head on the turf. He’d go on to miss Sunday’s Week 3 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens, a victory led by backup Gardner Minshew.
Per NFL concussion protocol rules, Richardson would have to be cleared by both the team doctor and an independent neurologist in order to play in their Week 4 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday.
Fantasy football implications for Week 4
If Richardson were to once again miss action this Sunday, Minshew would once again step in as the starter. He put up ok numbers against the Ravens in Week 3, going 27-44 for 227 yards and a touchdown, earning fantasy managers 13.1 points. With a 1.8% rostership rate, he’d be readily available for anyone with a desperate need at quarterback.
Richardson’s potential absence could also mean another big day for running back Zack Moss. He got a heavy workload with 30 carries for 122 yards and also caught a receiving touchdown in the win.