Indianapolis, December 19, 2025
Indianapolis Colts fans can breathe a sigh of relief as quarterback Anthony Richardson has returned to practice after recovering from a fractured orbital bone. Though he is medically cleared, Richardson will not play in the upcoming Week 16 game, with veteran Philip Rivers remaining the starter. Coach Shane Steichen emphasized a cautious approach to Richardson’s recovery, focusing on his gradual integration back into team activities. The Colts are eager to assess his progress as they prepare for their critical matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Colts have some good news for fans and followers as quarterback Anthony Richardson has returned to practice after a two-month absence due to a fractured orbital bone. This injury, sustained during pregame warmups on October 12, had sidelined Richardson and raised concerns about his future performance on the field. Despite his promising return, the team has decided to continue with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers as the starter for the upcoming Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Richardson’s Return to Practice
Richardson made a limited return to practice on Thursday, marking a significant step in his recovery journey. Head coach Shane Steichen highlighted that while Richardson is medically cleared for physical activity, he experiences some vision limitations in his right eye. The Colts are taking a cautious approach with his recovery, allowing Richardson to focus on throwing and participating in scout team reps as they monitor his condition.
Rivers to Remain Starter
In the wake of Richardson’s return, Steichen confirmed that Philip Rivers would maintain his role as the starting quarterback. Rivers stepped in after Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury and has shown leadership qualities that the team values. Steichen emphasized the rationale behind this decision, conveying confidence in Rivers’ ability to guide the team effectively during this critical phase of the season.
Injury Background
Richardson’s injury incident involved a freak accident with a pole attached to a stretch band, which struck him near his eye. Prior to this, he had been confronting several injuries, including a shoulder injury that led to season-ending surgery and an oblique injury that caused him to miss two games earlier this year. It’s been a challenging road for Richardson, but his return is a testament to his hard work and resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the Colts gear up to face the 49ers on Monday Night Football, Richardson’s gradual integration into practice offers hope for his future involvement in games. However, his immediate availability will depend on continued progress and assessments from the coaching staff. This situation underscores the importance of a solid backup plan and the depth of talent within the team roster, especially during critical late-season games.
FAQ
What injury did Anthony Richardson sustain?
Richardson sustained a fractured orbital bone during pregame warmups on October 12.
Is Anthony Richardson returning to play immediately?
No, Richardson has returned to practice but will not be activated for the upcoming Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Who is starting as quarterback for the Colts in Week 16?
Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers will remain the starter for the Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
What other injuries are affecting the Colts?
Left tackle Bernhard Raimann missed practice due to an elbow injury, and cornerback Sauce Gardner missed practice with a calf injury.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury | Fractured orbital bone sustained during pregame warmups on October 12. |
| Return to Practice | Limited participation in Thursday’s practice; not activated for Week 16 game. |
| Starting Quarterback | Philip Rivers remains the starter for the Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers. |
| Other Injuries | Left tackle Bernhard Raimann (elbow injury) and cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf injury) missed practice. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
