Shane Steichen says Anthony Richardson is back working after an eye injury, while his trade request remains unresolved.
A potential quarterback shift is hovering over Indianapolis as Shane Steichen moved to calm the noise around Anthony Richardson’s immediate future.
Richardson stayed away from the Colts for two weeks while seeking a trade, but he returned for the team’s voluntary work on Monday. The quarterback is still managing the aftermath of a right eye injury, though Misryoum reports that his progress has allowed him to rejoin team activity.
Steichen addressed the situation on Friday and offered a clear message that Richardson is currently “back in the fold.” He described the current focus as fundamentals. details. and throwing with the group as the offseason continues.. The coach also referenced that Richardson has been cleared to work with vision-related training. suggesting the injury recovery is no longer the immediate limiting factor.
Insight: Even when a trade request lingers, a return to on-field work can signal who controls the narrative in the building. For Indianapolis, that matters because quarterback depth plans usually crystallize long before the regular season.
Last season, Richardson lost the starting job to Daniel Jones, a change that reshaped expectations for how his role could evolve. He remains connected to the idea of being moved, but Steichen’s comments emphasized a professional approach as things play out.
Misryoum also notes that the coach sidestepped whether Richardson would compete for the backup role behind Jones against Riley Leonard. the team’s 2025 sixth-round pick.. With the offseason in May. Steichen suggested the decision-making process is still underway and that the team will simply see how everything develops.
Richardson’s injury came after a rare pregame incident on Oct.. 12 that resulted in a fractured orbital bone around his eye.. Now. with Richardson back in meetings and workouts. the focus can shift from rehabilitation to football decisions. including how the Colts balance the present depth chart with the quarterback situation that fans are still watching closely.
Insight: In a situation like this, the biggest takeaway isn’t just who steps onto the field next, but how quickly a team can regain stability at the position while a bigger question still hangs in the background.