Indianapolis Colts star Anthony Richardson has revealed he was dealing with severe back pain stemming from spasms that left him barely able to walk.
Richardson, 22, missed each of the Colts’ three practices last week and was forced to miss Indianapolis’ crucial game against the New York Giants. The game ended in a 45-33 defeat, ending Indianapolis’ hopes of making the 2024 NFL playoffs.
“Last week was tough and I couldn’t even stand up on Tuesday, could barely even walk, [had to] crawl around the house,” Richardson said. The quarterback could make a return this weekend, though, for the Colts’ final game of the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“But I’m here; I’m standing now. If I can do anything in my power to get on the field, I’m going to do it,” he added. However, Richardson could be rested to allow him to head into the offseason without aggravating his back problems.
Richardson has admitted that back issues aren’t new to him. “It might be chronic, but there’s plenty ways to prevent it going on in the future,” he said. “Now that I know what it is, I can find certain ways to stay out of a certain position, just make sure I’m healthy.”
He added: “I’ve been dealing with stuff like this since about eighth grade, but it’s never been this severe. It was definitely a little scary last week not being able to move. But, like I said, I’m standing up now, and I’m looking forward to playing this week if I can.”
Richardson has received his fair share of criticism this season, especially after he was removed from a game against the Houston Texans due to being tired, which later led to his being dropped. “I’m not mad at it,” he said.
“I have missed games through the injuries, so there’s enough information for them to go out there and say stuff like that. But it is what it is. It’s a tough league. You’ve got to be tough to go out there and play through injuries and fight through certain things, and I try my best to do so when I can.”
Richardson returned for the 2024 campaign after suffering a season-ending injury in his rookie year. The QB threw for 1,814 yards, eight touchdown passes, and six rushing touchdowns of his own.
According to The Athletic, despite a turbulent start to life in the NFL, the Colts plan to keep Richardson at the front of their plans this year in hopes he continues to develop.
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