Colts QB Richardson inactive with eye injury, Riley Leonard to serve as backup

The Indianapolis Colts will be without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals due to an eye injury sustained during pregame warmups.

Why it matters: Richardson's absence highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Colts as they navigate a season marked by injuries and player development issues.

• As the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has shown flashes of potential, but his limited playing time—only appearing in two games this season—has hindered his growth.
• With veteran quarterback Daniel Jones winning the preseason battle against Richardson, the team's plans for offensive continuity may be further disrupted.

What's new: In Richardson's place, Riley Leonard, a rookie quarterback, will take on the role of the No. 2 quarterback, marking a significant moment in his early career.

• Leonard has yet to see significant action this season, making his debut under pressure a noteworthy development for both him and the coaching staff.
• The team is already dealing with a thin depth chart at the quarterback position, complicating their strategy moving forward.

Yes, but: While Leonard steps up, the Colts face additional challenges in their secondary.

• Cornerback Charvarius Ward has been ruled out after sustaining a concussion during warmups—his second concussion of the season, having missed a previous game due to a similar injury.
• Veteran slot cornerback Kenny Moore II is also absent, leaving the Colts' defense more vulnerable against a potentially explosive Cardinals offense.

By the numbers: Richardson's limited appearances underscore a lack of experience that could impact his long-term development.

• He has participated in only 17 games since being drafted, primarily in non-critical situations such as the fourth quarter of lopsided contests.
• The Colts defensive woes are exacerbated by their lack of depth in the secondary; losing two key players in a single week could significantly affect their game plan.

What to watch: As Leonard prepares for increased responsibilities, attention will focus on how well he adapts to the demands of starting while managing the game's tempo and pressure.

• The effectiveness of the Colts’ offensive scheme, which relies heavily on quick decision-making and precision passing, could be tested against a formidable opponent.

The bottom line: The Colts ability to sustain competitive play hinges not only on the performance of their quarterbacks but also on the resilience of a defense facing significant personnel losses.

• As the team navigates these hurdles, the development of younger players like Leonard may prove crucial to their long-term success in the league.