**INDIANAPOLIS (AP)** – Anthony Richardson missed the chance to showcase his skills in front of his hometown fans when the Indianapolis Colts faced off against Jacksonville two weeks ago. However, he is looking forward to a second opportunity to play against a home-state team when the Miami Dolphins visit this Sunday.
While Richardson may not have a definitive answer until pregame warmups, all indications suggest that the second-year quarterback will be back on the field following a right hip injury.
“I’m moving better now, without any worries. I feel confident in all my movements and throwing the ball,” Richardson stated before Wednesday’s practice, which marked his first full session since exiting the Week 4 game against Pittsburgh. “Running around out there practicing, I feel confident. That’s probably the biggest difference.”
This is encouraging news for the Colts (3-3), who are trying to keep pace with the Houston Texans (5-1) in the AFC South. It’s also a relief for Richardson, whose health has been increasingly scrutinized after missing 15 of his 23 NFL games and finishing only four out of the eight games he has played.
Despite questions about his ability to avoid unnecessary hits, Richardson has also faced criticism regarding his low completion percentage and the number of interceptions he has thrown, leading to doubts about whether he is the best option for leading Indianapolis to the playoffs.
“You have to be smart. Injuries can always happen again, but sometimes you just have to say, ‘I don’t care’ because the team needs you,” Richardson remarked. “If I can play without major setbacks, then why not give it a shot?”
If Richardson is unable to secure a win for the Colts, they can turn to 39-year-old Joe Flacco, who has steered the team to victories in two of his three games.
The Dolphins (2-3) are well aware of quarterback challenges, having struggled since Tua Tagovailoa went on injured reserve following a concussion in Week 2. With Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley starting in his absence, Miami has managed just one win in three games, scoring a total of 30 points during that stretch.
“It was great to have the bye week when we did,” Huntley said. “It allowed me to settle in and focus on the playbook.”
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had been impressed with Richardson long before he joined the Colts, praising his unique combination of size, speed, and arm strength. Miami safety Jevon Holland highlighted Richardson’s ability to stretch defenses, pointing to his 60-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce in Week 1 as a prime example.
If the Colts are without three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly due to a calf injury, they may start two rookies, Tanor Bortolini and Dalton Tucker, both of whom have filled in capably in recent games. Despite this, the Colts’ offensive line has only allowed 10 sacks so far.
Coach Shane Steichen emphasized the hard work and cohesion of the offensive line, noting their commitment to protecting the quarterback and executing pass protection effectively.
Conversely, Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell acknowledged that their run defense has not lived up to its standards, currently ranking 18th in the league in yards allowed per game. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the Colts’ running game, stating, “If we play together, we can rise to the challenge.”