Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Anthony Richardson has landed on injured reserve following one of the most bizarre and unfortunate accidents in recent NFL memory: a fractured orbital bone sustained during pregame warmups involving an elastic band. This incident not only highlights the unpredictable nature of athletic injuries but also casts a long shadow over the career trajectory of the promising No. 4 overall draft pick, sparking intense discussion within the fan community about his future and the Colts’ evolving quarterback situation.
The Indianapolis Colts fan base is once again grappling with an unexpected turn in their quarterback narrative, as promising backup Anthony Richardson has been placed on injured reserve. The cause? A shocking pregame incident involving a routine elastic stretch band that resulted in a fractured orbital bone. This injury, occurring moments before the Colts’ Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, has not only sidelined Richardson for at least four games but has also reignited concerns about his ongoing battle with injuries.
A Bizarre Accident: How a Simple Warm-Up Turned Catastrophic
The details surrounding Richardson’s injury are as unusual as they are unfortunate. Reports confirm the 23-year-old quarterback suffered the injury in the locker room during pregame warmups for the October 12th game. According to multiple media outlets, an elastic stretch band, which Richardson had reportedly wrapped around a pole, snapped and struck him in the face. Other reports, including one from ESPN, elaborated that the incident occurred when an apparatus used by players to attach warmup bands to instruments malfunctioned, leading to the impact.
The immediate aftermath was severe: Richardson experienced significant swelling and temporary vision impairment. While initial assessments suggested no permanent damage to the eye itself, the orbital bone fracture was serious enough to warrant immediate hospitalization and, subsequently, a stint on injured reserve. The freak nature of the accident left many, including Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones, calling it a “whirlwind” and a “freak situation,” as reported by People.
Immediate Fallout: Jones Steps Up, Leonard Rises, and Lowery Joins
With Richardson unexpectedly sidelined, the Colts were forced to adjust rapidly. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who has been leading Indianapolis to a strong 5-1 record and an AFC South lead six weeks into the season, continued his impressive play against the Cardinals. Jones threw for 212 yards, two touchdown passes, and also ran for another score in the Colts’ 31-27 victory, showcasing his capabilities as the team’s primary signal-caller.
The depth chart behind Jones also saw an immediate shift. Rookie Riley Leonard, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft who previously led Notre Dame to the NCAA college football championship game, was promoted from emergency third quarterback to the active roster, becoming the team’s primary backup. Leonard’s reaction to his elevation underscored the close bond within the quarterback room, stating his first thought was, “Is Anthony okay? … At the end of the day, that’s one of my closest friends on the team.”
Beyond the quarterback room, the Colts also made another roster move, signing safety Reuben Lowery off waivers from Baltimore. Lowery, an undrafted rookie, brings experience from three games and one start with the Ravens, recording five tackles this season. This move indicates the team’s proactive approach to maintaining roster depth in the face of unexpected injuries.
A Troubling Pattern: Richardson’s Extensive Injury History
The recent eye injury is unfortunately not an isolated incident for Anthony Richardson. Despite being the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and starting 15 games over his first two seasons, his young career has been significantly impacted by a series of physical setbacks. Fans have grown increasingly concerned about what appears to be a pattern of fragility for the highly athletic quarterback. His extensive injury list includes:
- Concussion (2023): Missed approximately 1.5 games.
- AC Joint Sprain (2023): Sidelined for three months.
- Hip Injury (2024): Missed over one game.
- Back and Foot Injuries (2024): Caused him to miss two games.
- Another AC Joint Sprain (2025 OTAs): A recurrence that raised early season concerns.
- Finger Dislocation (2025 Preseason): An additional setback before the regular season even began.
This recurring theme of injuries has led Richardson to enter the current 2025 season as the Colts’ backup quarterback, following struggles with both health and accuracy in his initial two years in the league. The orbital fracture now adds a new and particularly unusual injury to an already lengthy list, creating a challenging path for him to establish himself as a consistent presence on the field.
Fan Community Perspectives and the Evolving Quarterback Room
Within the Colts fan community, Richardson’s latest injury has sparked a mix of sympathy, frustration, and pragmatic discussion. Many fans express genuine concern for his well-being, acknowledging the unfortunate “freak accident” nature of the orbital fracture. However, there’s also an underlying current of apprehension regarding his consistent inability to stay healthy, a critical factor for any NFL quarterback.
The unexpected success of Daniel Jones this season—guiding the team to a surprising 5-1 start—has further complicated the fan narrative. While Richardson was once viewed as the quarterback of the future, Jones’s strong performance has created a dilemma. Fan theories now include prolonged starting roles for Jones, and discussions about what this means for Richardson’s long-term role, especially with Riley Leonard showing promise as an eventual option.
The Road Ahead: Recovery, Depth, and Future Implications
Anthony Richardson is mandated to miss at least the next four games while on injured reserve. His recovery will be closely monitored, particularly given the sensitive nature of an eye injury. The Colts, meanwhile, will lean on Daniel Jones to continue their impressive start, with Riley Leonard gaining valuable experience as the immediate backup.
This season has been a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL, from a routine warm-up leading to a severe injury to an established starter guiding his team beyond expectations. For Richardson, the path back to the field will be another test of resilience. For the Colts, their ability to adapt to adversity, particularly in their most critical position, will define their aspirations as they head into the heart of the season. The fan community, ever watchful, will undoubtedly be analyzing every development in this evolving quarterback saga.
