"Clearly not working out" - NFL analyst warns Anthony Richardson’s injury could mirror $2,000,000 ex-Cowboys QB's rapid career tumble

Anthony Richardson has spent his professional career in and out of the Indianapolis Colts' starting lineup. The dual-threat QB has dealt with injuries and form concerns since the Colts selected him with the fourth pick of the 2023 NFL draft.

Richardson reportedly picked up a right shoulder injury in OTAs, and he's set for an indefinite spell on the sidelines. Following the injury, NFL analyst John Middlekauff issued a warning to the Colts.

On Friday's edition of "3 and Out," Middlekauff said,

"You guys know where I stand on Anthony Richardson and the Daniel Jones situation. One, I wouldn’t want either one of these quarterbacks. But I’ve seen this song and dance before. We just saw it a couple of years ago with Trey Lance. Draft a guy high, clearly not working out. The players on the team aren’t behind it. You bring in another guy, it’s over."

He continued,

"Not even when training camp starts, and the coaches and GMs can say whatever they want. This ended the moment they gave Daniel Jones fourteen million dollars. It was his job to lose."

Trey Lance's story is one of caution as the former promising shot caller dealt with a career-altering ankle injury while with the San Francisco 49ers. Lance has since been on a journeyman trajectory, spending two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and about to start the 2025 season as Justin Herbert's backup on the Los Angeles Chargers.

Like Lance, who inked a one-year, $2,000,000 deal with the Chargers, Anthony Richardson was also a top-five pick in his draft class. However, injuries have robbed fans of the chance to see him showcase his physical gifts for a sustained period on the gridiron.

What's next for Anthony Richardson?

Anthony Richardson reported soreness in his right shoulder during last week's OTAs and has not practiced since. It's important to note that a shoulder injury curtailed his rookie season.

Richardson will now miss next week's three-day mandatory minicamp, an important tune-up event for the regular season. It's particularly worrisome considering that Richardson has suffered similar niggles since his time with the Florida Gators at the collegiate level.

In the meantime, Daniel Jones has been lighting it up in OTAs. The former New York Giants quarterback is in a battle for the QB1 spot with Richardson and is in pole position to win the gig. Jones is entering his seventh professional season, and his first off the books of the Giants.

So, next up for Richardson is to focus on fully recovering from the right shoulder injury. Colts fans hope he recovers in time for training camp and preseason ahead of the regular season opener vs. the Miami Dolphins.