Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was on the field Wednesday at OTAs in front of the media for the first time since his season-ending shoulder injury.
The injury, which was a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, came when he was tackled on a run by a Titans defender in Week 5. It's led to many wondering if Richardson should play with more caution outside of the pocket.
Richardson himself is not among those wondering that.
“I don’t think there’s any way I could’ve avoided what happened to me – just a regular, routine tackle," Richardson said Wednesday. "I tried to brace myself for the fall and my shoulder just did what it did. There was nothing I could’ve done about that. Changing my game and my play style? I don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with my play style."
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It was somewhat of a fluky play that resulted in an injury. But it doesn't dismiss the fact that Richardson missed the majority of his rookie season because of it.
When it comes to the game of football, though, there's a risk of injury on every play. Even without contact, players end their seasons all the time.
"I don’t think I want to change it, but being smart on when to get extra yards and when to get down. I feel like I know how to do that, it’s just now I have to do it and do it at the right time I guess. So, I don’t think I’m going to change anything but being smarter for the team, of course.”
Richardson had no limitations during the OTA session open to the media Wednesday, and there didn't appear to be any hindrance with his throwing motion.
Those expecting Richardson to become purely a pocket passer shouldn't hold their breath.
