Sources: Colts QB Anthony Richardson Could Return Saturday After Pinkie Injury
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., the third-year pro and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is expected to return to practice this Saturday—just two days after sustaining a dislocated pinkie during Thursday’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens . X-rays revealed no further damage, and Richardson was seen participating in individual and team drills with his pinkie taped.
The injury occurred when he was sacked by unblocked linebacker David Ojabo in the first quarter, forcing him out of the game after completing 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards. Despite his injury, he rejoined practice Saturday, rotating with Daniel Jones, with seemingly unaffected throwing mechanics.
Performance concerns remain consistent; Richardson has struggled with injuries throughout his early career, missing 17 games across his first two seasons and logging a career completion rate of approximately 50.6% .
Why This Matters for Bettors and Fans
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Quarterback Stability: Richardson’s return shifts the QB battle dynamics between him and the veteran Daniel Jones in favor of the former, offering clarity to bettors wondering about Week 1 starter status .
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Injury Risk Profile: His history of injuries may influence bettors to tread cautiously, potentially avoiding high-stakes bets on his availability or season-long performance.
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Offensive Rhythm: His early return could help the offense retain its rhythm, maintaining offensive line chemistry and limiting disruptions.
Takeaways for Bettors
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QB Props & Futures
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Richardson being the frontrunner to start Week 1 (FanDuel gives him -245 odds vs. Daniel Jones at +186) may create value in backing Jones or considering flexible futures in case Richardson’s health falters
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Game Flow & Totals
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If Richardson returns strong, the Colts’ offense may lean more dynamic—favoring OVER props on team points or yards. Conversely, if limited, bettors might expect more conservative play-calling.
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Injury Hedging
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Given his durability concerns, bettors might hedge with QB-related props or monitor early-week injury reports before locking in line purchases.
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QB Competition Drama
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Monitor preseason rep distribution between Richardson, Jones, and rookie Riley Leonard—it may reflect coach Shane Steichen’s confidence levels, which in turn affects value insights on QB markets.
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Summary
Richardson’s anticipated return to practice this Saturday brings immediate relevance to the Colts’ QB competition and betting landscape. His availability stabilizes the offense, but given his injury history, prudence is warranted. Bettors should weigh his return carefully alongside Jones’ role, monitor practice reports, and consider value in QB props and futures markets.
