Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared to return to practice following a recent eye injury, team officials confirmed on Thursday. The announcement signals encouraging progress in Richardson’s recovery, though the team has stated that he will not be activated for the upcoming Monday night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Richardson’s injury raised concerns earlier this month when he reportedly suffered an incident that affected his eye. Details surrounding the injury have not been disclosed publicly, but Indianapolis has taken a cautious approach with his recovery. The medical staff completed a thorough evaluation before giving clearance for a return to practice.
The 2025 season has been marked by setbacks for Richardson, who has faced interruptions in his development due to health concerns. This latest situation has again placed the spotlight on Indianapolis’ depth at quarterback and the need to manage the young signal-caller’s workload carefully.
Although Richardson has returned to practice, he remains on the team’s reserve list. According to league guidelines, players can practice with the team for a limited window before requiring activation to the 53-man roster. Colts head coach Shane Steichen emphasized that the organization will continue to prioritize Richardson’s health and long-term development over any short-term considerations.
In Richardson’s absence, the Colts have relied on their backup quarterbacks for stability at the position. The team is preparing for a challenging road game against San Francisco, who have one of the league’s top-ranked defenses. Indianapolis remains in the hunt for a postseason berth, and bringing Richardson back into the lineup will be a key decision as the regular season progresses.
Richardson, selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, showed flashes of potential before encountering injuries during his rookie and sophomore seasons. The team remains optimistic about his future and is cautiously managing his return to full participation.
The Colts are expected to closely monitor Richardson’s condition in the coming days, but no timeline has been announced for his reinstatement to the active roster. His status for subsequent games will depend on ongoing evaluations and practice performance.
