Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned to the field Sunday for the first time since his rookie season ended due to a shoulder injury.
During the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, it was expected that the Colts' starters would be on the field for "one or two series" at Lucas Oil Stadium, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday.
Richardson and the starting offense were on the field for exactly two drives and a total of seven plays.
It certainly seemed like the Colts wanted the starting offense to get their feet wet before giving way to the second and third-team offenses.
Even with the incredibly small sample, there were still some notes to take away from Richardson's first game action since Week 5 of last season.
The first drive was a three-and-out. On third down, Richardson missed a throw high to tight end Kylen Granson.
On the second drive, backed up against their own end zone, Richardson did a good job hitting a check-down to tight end Mo Alie-Cox, who gained some yards after the catch for a 19-yard gain.
However, the drive stalled out three plays later. Richardson had to scramble for one yard before his third-down throw to Granson on a drag route was slightly behind the tight end.
In all, Richardson was 2-of-4 passing for 25 yards.
There shouldn't be too many overreactions from this game. Richardson clearly needs more reps, and it seem the Colts had a distinct plan to limit his reps in the opener.
He should play much more during the second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 17.
