**“Red Flag Rising: Anthony Richardson Nears Injury-Prone Label Colts Are Desperate to Avoid as Concerns Mount Ahead of 2025 Season”**

The Indianapolis Colts entered the Anthony Richardson era with high hopes and electric optimism. After years of searching for a true franchise quarterback following Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement, Richardson, the dynamic dual-threat out of Florida, was drafted to be the cornerstone of a new generation in Indianapolis. Possessing elite physical tools, including a cannon arm and rare athleticism for the position, Richardson was viewed not only as the future of the Colts, but also as a player capable of redefining what quarterbacking excellence could look like in the NFL. But as the 2025 season draws near, there’s a creeping cloud forming over Richardson’s potential — one the franchise and its fanbase had hoped to avoid at all costs: the looming and unwanted label of “injury-prone.”

In the world of professional football, where durability is as prized as ability, availability often determines legacy. For all the breathtaking highlights and moments of brilliance Richardson has produced in his brief time as the Colts’ signal-caller, an undeniable pattern has begun to emerge — one that is troubling to both coaches and executives. Through his first two seasons in the league, Richardson has struggled to remain consistently healthy. Multiple injuries have sidelined him for extended stretches, robbing the Colts of their offensive leader and rhythm just when it seemed like he was about to break out. For a team building its entire offensive identity around the former Gator star, that pattern is cause for alarm.

The 2023 season saw Richardson flash elite upside early on, but it was cut short by a serious shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery. Colts fans watched with frustration and concern as backup Gardner Minshew tried to carry the load, and while the team remained competitive, the absence of Richardson’s playmaking ability limited the offense’s ceiling. That first season-ending injury was chalked up by many as bad luck, a freak occurrence not indicative of a long-term issue. The front office remained bullish on their quarterback’s trajectory, and his rehab during the offseason was framed as ahead of schedule and successful.

However, the 2024 season did little to assuage those concerns. Richardson returned to the field with enthusiasm and looked like the player the Colts had dreamed of — poised, powerful, and commanding. But again, his availability became an issue. Multiple smaller injuries, from concussions to nagging lower body ailments, forced him to miss games at various points during the season. Though none were as severe as his rookie-year shoulder issue, the cumulative effect was troubling. The Colts’ offensive cohesion sputtered each time Richardson was forced to the sidelines, and while his performances when healthy continued to impress, they were too often interrupted by absences. The excitement of his potential began to clash with the anxiety of his fragility.

As the 2025 offseason unfolded, the Colts publicly backed Richardson, reaffirming their commitment to building around him. Head coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard emphasized that injuries are a part of the game and that Richardson was doing all the right things in terms of preparation, strength training, and recovery. But behind closed doors, there is growing tension. The label of being “injury-prone” is one of the most damaging reputations a young quarterback can earn, and it’s one that is hard to shake once it takes hold. For the Colts, who passed on other highly regarded quarterbacks in previous drafts to stake their future on Richardson, the prospect of him not being physically reliable is nothing short of a nightmare.

The Colts are not just worried about the physical toll. The psychological impact of injuries on a young quarterback can be immense. Confidence, rhythm, leadership — all these intangible elements suffer when a player cannot stay on the field. Richardson, to his credit, has remained positive and committed, often seen at the team facility early and staying late, investing in his body and mind. He has been active in the community and in team-building activities, doing everything possible to live up to his franchise-player expectations. Still, questions about his ability to endure the full grind of an NFL season persist, and as more analysts and insiders raise the red flag, the pressure continues to mount.

The 2025 preseason has become a critical barometer for where Richardson stands. Every snap he takes in training camp is being dissected for signs of hesitation, lingering effects of past injuries, or vulnerability to new ones. Coaches have begun subtly tweaking the playbook to protect him — fewer designed runs, quicker reads, and an emphasis on getting the ball out fast. These changes, while prudent, also indicate that the team is concerned enough about his durability to alter the very identity of its offense. That’s a delicate balance, as stripping Richardson of what makes him special — his ability to extend plays and create outside of structure — could also limit his effectiveness.

Complicating matters is the makeup of the current Colts roster. The offensive line, once a dominant unit, has been inconsistent in recent years, and the running game, while competent, lacks the explosive support system Richardson needs to take pressure off himself. The Colts’ receiving corps is young and talented, but still developing. In short, this team still needs Richardson to be the best version of himself — dynamic, aggressive, and fearless. Asking him to play more cautiously in order to preserve his health might be the prudent route, but it could also make the offense easier to contain for opposing defenses.

Meanwhile, the fanbase is feeling the emotional tug-of-war that often accompanies potential unmet due to injuries. Richardson jerseys still fly off the shelves, and his highlight reels continue to dominate social media, but the excitement is increasingly tempered by nervous energy. Each hit he takes is met with held breaths. Every time he pops up slowly, the fear creeps back in. The conversation has shifted from “How great can he be?” to “Can he stay healthy long enough to find out?”

From a team-building perspective, the Colts are in a bind. They’ve invested heavily in Richardson not just financially but philosophically. He is the centerpiece of their rebuild and the face of their brand. Moving on is not a conversation anyone wants to have — nor should it be, at this stage. But the NFL is a results-driven league, and patience, while important, is never infinite. Should another injury derail Richardson’s 2025 campaign, the organization may have to begin contemplating uncomfortable scenarios. Do they bring in a veteran to compete? Do they begin scouting the next quarterback class more seriously? These are questions no franchise wants to answer about a top-five pick in year three, but the situation may force their hand.

Richardson himself is aware of the whispers. In recent interviews, he has addressed the topic head-on, saying he knows he must prove he can endure the grind and stay on the field. His maturity in facing those questions is commendable, and teammates continue to praise his leadership and work ethic. There is no doubt that he is giving everything he has to meet expectations. But football can be cruel, and effort does not always shield a player from the harsh realities of the sport.

For now, the Colts are holding out hope that the 2025 season is the turning point. That this is the year where everything clicks, and Richardson not only dazzles on the field but finishes the season as the unquestioned starter, unscathed and thriving. They want to see him play 17 games, command the huddle every week, and grow into the star they drafted him to be. They want to leave the “injury-prone” narrative in the dust, a distant memory of early growing pains rather than a defining trait.

But as training camp approaches and Richardson continues to walk the tightrope between greatness and fragility, the concern is palpable. The Colts have seen this story play out before — high hopes dashed by unfortunate health setbacks. They’re doing everything they can to write a different ending this time, one where their quarterback stays upright and delivers on his sky-high potential. Until that happens, however, the specter of the dreaded label will continue to linger.

In the unforgiving world of professional football, talent is only part of the equation. Toughness, resilience, and above all, availability, often define a career. For Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts, the clock is ticking. The next chapter will either confirm their worst fears or finally put them to rest. Either way, the 2025 season may very well decide the legacy of one of the most tantalizing quarterback prospects in recent memory.