The Indianapolis Colts were hoping to open the preseason with answers. Instead, they left with more questions—and a banged-up starting quarterback.

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Anthony Richardson Sr., the presumed front-runner in the Colts’ quarterback competition, was knocked out early in the team’s 2025 preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens after taking a vicious blindside sack from linebacker David Ojabo. The result: a dislocated pinkie finger on Richardson’s throwing hand—and a sideline exit just two drives into his night.

The play unfolded quickly. On Richardson’s first dropback of the second series, he failed to spot Ojabo blitzing off the right edge. Completely unblocked, the Ravens defender delivered a jarring hit that sent Richardson sprawling. He got up slowly, clearly shaken.

“I didn’t see him coming,” Richardson admitted postgame, taking responsibility for not adjusting the protection. “That’s on me.”

Colts: “Day to Day”—but Still Concerned

After the game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen offered a cautiously optimistic update.

“It was a dislocated pinkie. We popped it back in. He’s day to day,” Steichen told reporters, as shared by Mike Garafolo of NFL Media.

That said, the injury forced the Colts to scrap their original plan of having Richardson play through the first quarter. Instead, Daniel Jones stepped in for the third series while Richardson watched from the sideline—wearing an earpiece and looking visibly frustrated.

The incident couldn’t have come at a worse time for Richardson, who’s battling back from a string of injuries that have derailed his promising career. A shoulder issue, concussions, and oblique problems over the past two seasons have all hampered the former top prospect.

This year was supposed to be different.

A Quarterback Battle… Complicated by Injury

The Colts had emphasized a true competition at quarterback this offseason. Richardson was set to earn his starting spot—not be handed it. Daniel Jones, acquired in the offseason, was expected to get the second preseason start and make his own case.

But now, with Richardson’s health again in question, the competition is clouded by uncertainty.

“We’re evaluating who gives us the best chance to win,” Steichen said. “That hasn’t changed.”

Jones didn’t exactly seize the moment, either. The veteran went 10-of-21 for 144 yards with no touchdowns—a pedestrian stat line that won’t shake the room. The offense under his direction never reached the end zone.

Richardson’s Early Drive: Some Promise, Some Misses

Before the injury, Richardson’s night was a mixed bag.

His first series included a high-pressure completion to Adonai Mitchell—a diving grab after Richardson threw a touch late. Another pass to rookie tight end Tyler Warren was wiped out due to a penalty, and the Colts eventually settled for a field goal.

The second series opened with a handoff, then disaster struck. On second down, Ojabo barreled through untouched—and Richardson, showing no pocket awareness, never saw him. The blindside hit not only changed the night but might change the trajectory of the Colts’ quarterback situation heading into Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.

Injury History: A Pattern Colts Can’t Ignore

This isn’t a one-off concern. Anthony Richardson Sr., once hailed as a physical marvel, has had a streak of injuries that now risk defining his career. From right shoulder surgeries to concussions as a rookie and oblique injuries last season—his availability has consistently undermined his ability.

And for head coach Shane Steichen, now entering his third year without a playoff berth, time may be running out. The Colts’ front office is watching closely, and progress this season is non-negotiable.

“We need to know if Anthony is the guy,” one team source reportedly said. “And we need to know it soon.”

What Happens Next?

The “day-to-day” label is positive—but vague. Richardson’s pinkie may be functional again soon, but any lost time in practice or preseason action could cost him the Week 1 start. And in a “prove-it” year for both quarterback and coach, that could open the door for Jones or even another late acquisition.

Richardson, for now, isn’t panicking.

“I’ll be good,” he said confidently. “We’ll keep working.”

But one thing’s clear: the margin for error in Indianapolis is razor thin.

And for Anthony Richardson Sr., the window to prove he’s the future may already be closing—finger by finger.