Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson needs to have a good offseason after a disappointing 2024 season, and it's not off to a good start as he is reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury. Richardson earned the starting job ahead of the start of last season, but he ended up getting benched after consistent struggles. Richardson will have to fight hard to earn the starting job again, but he is unable to compete right now.

“Per Shane Steichen – QB Anthony Richardson is dealing with a shoulder injury and will not participate in mini-camp next week,” the Colts shared on Thursday.

Anthony Richardson spent his college days with the Florida football team, and despite not having a ton of success with the Gators, he was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson wasn't a great college QB, but he possessed the traits necessary to be successful at the next level. He is big, strong and athletic, and the Colts were confident that he could be a star. That has not panned out.

Richardson's 2024 season was bad. There is no other way to put it. In 11 games, he finished 126-264 through the air for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His completion percentage was just 47.7%. With numbers like that, the Colts didn't have any other option. They had to bench him for someone else.

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Now, the Colts have an intriguing QB competition on their hands between two players that were drafted very early, but have struggled so far in their careers. Indianapolis brought in Daniel Jones during the offseason, and he will compete with Richardson for the starting job.

Jones and Richardson have had similar career paths. Jones was also a top-10 pick after not making a ton of noise at the college level, but scouts saw the potential in him. The New York Giants took him with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he was never able to get going in New York. Now, he is with the Colts and hoping that a fresh start can revitalize his career.

Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones both need something positive to go their way. Only one of them will win this QB job, and it will be a good opportunity to look at things as a fresh start with a new perspective. It should end up being a tight battle, and it is unfortunate that Richardson has to deal with this shoulder injury in the middle of it. However, it doesn't sound like it's too serious, and he should be good to go for most of the summer.