BALTIMORE -- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. dislocated the pinkie on his right (throwing) hand in the first quarter of Thursday night's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens and will not return.
Coach Shane Steichen, speaking before play resumed in the third quarter, updated Richardson's status after the team initially said he had a finger injury. Steichen added that the team doesn't know yet how long Richardson will be sidelined.
Richardson started the game amid the quarterback battle with veteran Daniel Jones. On his second possession, Richardson dropped back but was sacked by unblocked linebacker David Ojabo from the right side as Richardson turned his head and looked to deliver the ball to a receiver on his left. It did not appear that Richardson ever saw Ojabo.
Richardson went to the sideline and was examined by athletic trainers, then attempted to grip and throw a ball a few times. But the team quickly ruled him out and Jones replaced Richardson in the lineup.
Television replays seemed to show Richardson's right pinkie pointing at an awkward angle before he got up and jogged off the field.
The game was expected to be Richardson's next step in trying to retain his starting job after the Colts signed Jones during the offseason to a one-year, $14 million deal to compete with Richardson. The Colts were planning to play Richardson for most of the first half while allowing Jones to play roughly the same amount in next week's preseason matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The goal was to evaluate the quarterbacks in extensive action and then proceed toward a final decision on a starter. Thursday's injury might force a modification of that plan.
Injuries have consistently marred Richardson's career. He sat out 13 games as a rookie in 2023 because of injuries and sat out another four games last season because of two separate injuries.
The Colts decided against playing their offensive line veterans in Thursday's game, despite having their potential starting quarterback under center. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann, left guard Quenton Nelson and right tackle Braden Smith were all held out.