Former Florida Gators Star Quarterback Anthony Richardson Will Miss Indianapolis Colts Mini-Camp Due to Injury Recovery Setback

The Indianapolis Colts will be without one of their most crucial players during this year’s mandatory mini-camp, as second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled out due to ongoing recovery from his shoulder injury. The news comes as a disappointment to both fans and the franchise, who had hoped the former Florida Gators star would be able to take full reps this offseason after his promising yet abbreviated rookie campaign.

Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the league as one of the most physically gifted quarterback prospects in recent memory. A rare combination of size, speed, and arm strength, he drew comparisons to Cam Newton and Josh Allen. However, unlike Newton, who enjoyed an MVP campaign early in his career, Richardson’s rookie season was cut short due to a serious AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder that ultimately required season-ending surgery in October 2023.

Now, with the 2025 season fast approaching, the Colts are proceeding with caution as they look to the long-term future of their franchise quarterback. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the decision during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that Richardson is progressing well but won’t participate in on-field drills during the upcoming mini-camp. Instead, he will continue with his rehabilitation protocol, which has so far gone according to plan.

“He’s doing everything we’ve asked of him,” Steichen said. “We’re just not going to rush him. He’s a big part of what we’re building here. We want to make sure he’s 100 percent before putting him in those situations.”

The Colts’ decision to sit Richardson for mini-camp underscores the importance they’re placing on his long-term health. Although there had been optimism earlier this spring that he would return in full for the offseason program, internal evaluations reportedly revealed that his shoulder still needs more time before being subjected to the full range of football activity. The franchise’s medical team has remained consistent in emphasizing a patient approach, especially considering the high stakes surrounding a young quarterback with elite physical tools.

Richardson had appeared in just four games as a rookie, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 136 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability was immediately evident, and despite some expected inconsistencies, the early signs were overwhelmingly encouraging. In particular, his composure under pressure and the explosive nature of his runs stood out.

However, durability has now emerged as a key concern. In addition to the season-ending shoulder injury, Richardson also missed time in his first few games due to a concussion and knee bruising. While none of those injuries appear to have long-term implications individually, the accumulation of health issues has naturally sparked concern about whether he can stay on the field consistently over the course of a 17-game NFL season.

To that end, Richardson has reportedly been working extensively with Colts staff on mechanics, flexibility, and conditioning in hopes of better protecting himself moving forward. He’s also continued to study film, participate in meetings, and take mental reps during team walkthroughs.

“Anthony’s locked in,” said Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “He’s been great in the quarterback room. He’s watching everything, asking questions, going through the plays. You can see his growth even when he’s not on the field.”

Veteran backup Gardner Minshew, who filled in admirably last season and helped guide the Colts to a 9-8 record, will likely take the bulk of the first-team snaps during mini-camp. Minshew re-signed with the team earlier this offseason in a move widely seen as a way to ensure stability should Richardson’s recovery extend into training camp or even the early portion of the regular season. The Colts also drafted Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft as developmental insurance.

Still, there is little doubt that the Colts’ ceiling remains closely tied to Richardson’s availability and progress. Steichen, who previously helped develop both Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, was hired with the express goal of unlocking Richardson’s potential. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound quarterback gives Indianapolis a dynamic element it has lacked under center since the retirement of Andrew Luck. And despite the setbacks, both the team and the quarterback remain upbeat about what lies ahead.

Richardson, who has maintained a steady presence on social media during his recovery, recently posted video snippets of his rehab process, including throwing sessions, mobility drills, and strength workouts. In one video, he can be seen zipping passes to trainers and practicing footwork in a controlled environment, suggesting he’s closer to full form than his current inactive status might imply.

“I’m getting stronger every day,” Richardson said in a recent interview with Colts.com. “It’s a journey, and I’m embracing it. I can’t wait to be back on the field with my guys, but I also know I’ve got to take care of my body the right way.”

Colts general manager Chris Ballard echoed those sentiments when asked about the quarterback’s timeline and the organization’s confidence in his future.

“We didn’t draft Anthony for just one season,” Ballard said. “We believe in who he is, what he brings, and how he’s handling this process. He’s shown us everything we need to see from a character, work ethic, and leadership standpoint. The talent has always been there.”

Indeed, the support around Richardson seems unwavering. Teammates have spoken highly of his maturity and dedication. Star running back Jonathan Taylor noted that Richardson has remained a vocal leader even during his rehab, frequently offering insight during huddles and encouraging teammates at practices. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who signed a contract extension earlier this year, said he’s excited to see how Richardson and the offense develop once the quarterback is fully healthy.

“Anthony’s got everything you want in a quarterback,” Pittman said. “He can make every throw, he can run, and he wants to win. I think when he’s back out there, we’re going to take off.”

While the exact date of Richardson’s full return remains unclear, the Colts are optimistic that he’ll be ready for training camp in late July. The organization is planning for a ramp-up period that will allow Richardson to ease into action rather than being thrown directly into full contact reps. If all goes smoothly, he could be under center for Week 1 of the regular season.

Until then, the Colts will continue to balance development and patience. With a relatively young roster and a wide-open AFC South division, the opportunity to compete remains very much in play. But the long view dominates every decision involving Richardson. Having invested heavily in his future, the Colts know that rushing him back too soon could risk another setback, a scenario they’re determined to avoid.

The broader NFL landscape has already taken notice of Richardson’s potential, even in limited action. Analysts across the league point to his raw physical traits and flashes of brilliance as indicators that Indianapolis may have found its next franchise cornerstone. However, as with any quarterback transition, time, health, and continuity will be the keys to translating that potential into sustained success.

For now, Colts fans must wait a little longer to see their young signal-caller back on the field. But based on everything Richardson has shown—on and off the field—his return could be well worth the wait. As the team lays the groundwork this offseason, all eyes will remain on No. 5 and how he shapes the future of football in Indianapolis.

Though mini-camp will proceed without him, Anthony Richardson’s presence will still loom large. And when he finally takes that next step, the Colts—and the NFL—will be watching closely.