Colts QB Anthony Richardson Undergoes Surgery for Orbital Fracture

Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson underwent surgery last Monday to repair an orbital fracture. This injury occurred during pregame warmups leading up to Week 6, league sources confirmed on Sunday.

The fracture was caused by a malfunctioning stretching band that Richardson was using in the locker room. Sources said the band was attached to an apparatus that broke, causing a piece to recoil and strike Richardson in the face at high speed. After the incident, Richardson was taken to a local hospital and released later that day.

Following the injury, Richardson was placed on injured reserve on October 13. The rules require that he must miss at least three games, meaning he is eligible to return by Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, pending his recovery.

In Richardson’s absence, the Colts signed veteran quarterback Brett Rypien to join their roster. Rypien will serve as the third-string option behind starter Daniel Jones, who has impressed this season, and backup Riley Leonard, a sixth-round draft pick from 2025.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen provided an update on Richardson’s recovery on Friday, stating, “He is just recovering right now,” but he did not provide a specific timeline for his return.

Richardson, selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, competed with Jones for the starting role. Ultimately, Jones claimed the job and has led the Colts to an impressive start, with the team scoring an average of 33.1 points per game as of Week 8.

The Colts currently hold a 6-1 record and are the only team in the NFL with just one loss. They aim to maintain their winning streak when they face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, having previously beaten them 41-20 earlier this season.