WESTFIELD – Anthony Richardson will return to action at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday when the Indianapolis Colts open their preseason against the Denver Broncos.
Coach Shane Steichen said after Friday’s practice his starting quarterback and the vast majority of the team’s starters will see action. Perhaps a few front-line players will be held out.
“The starters will play a series or two and then we’ll get the young guys in there,’’ Steichen said after Friday’s practice.
It will mark the first playing time for Richardson since he suffered a season-ending injury to his right (throwing) shoulder in the Colts’ week 5 win over the Tennessee Titans. The future of the franchise underwent surgery Oct. 24 to repair a sprained AC joint.
As a rookie, Richardson handled three series and 29 snaps in the preseason opener against Buffalo, did not play at Philadelphia after joint workouts with the Eagles leading up to the game and directed six series that involved 37 snaps in the preseason finale against Cincinnati.
Throughout the early phase of Richardson’s career, the Colts have harped on the necessity of him experiencing as many reps as possible.
In all likelihood, the playing time for the starting offensive line will mirror that of Richardson.
It’s uncertain how Steichen and the coaching staff will divvy up reps for running back Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and other skill players.
No one should be surprised if Taylor plays little, if at all.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.