Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts’ promising quarterback, suffered a dislocated pinkie finger on his right (throwing) hand during the team's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, raising concerns but currently being classified as a “day-to-day” injury. The injury occurred early in the first quarter after Richardson was forcefully sacked by unblocked Ravens linebacker David Ojabo. The impact bent Richardson’s smallest finger outward awkwardly, causing him to leave the game prematurely.
Medical staff promptly relocated the dislocated joint on the sideline, and Richardson even tested his throwing ability with light passes before being ruled out for the remainder of the game. X-rays taken at halftime revealed no fractures, providing some reassurance about the severity of the injury. Despite the initial scare, the Colts’ coaching staff remains cautiously optimistic, with head coach Shane Steichen describing Richardson’s status as “day to day” and emphasizing a hopeful quick return contingent on Richardson’s ability to grip and throw effectively. Richardson himself downplayed the injury afterward, acknowledging the finger felt “tender” but expressing confidence in a full recovery: “It’ll be a little bit more so in the morning. But I'll be good.”
This injury is particularly significant given the competitive quarterback battle between Richardson and veteran Daniel Jones, who replaced him after the injury and took charge for the remainder of the preseason game. Richardson’s preseason debut was brief but marked an important step as he seeks to solidify his starting role for the Colts this season. Unfortunately, this setback disrupts those plans, come at a time when Richardson, now in his third NFL year, is trying to overcome a series of previous injuries, including shoulder issues and concussions during his first two seasons.
The pinkie injury, specifically a dislocation, involves the joint where the finger bends and can impair grip strength critical for quarterbacks. Although less severe than fractures or ligament tears, such injuries still necessitate rest and rehabilitation to avoid compromising throwing mechanics. Experts highlight that while recovery times vary, finger dislocations typically sideline players only briefly if no additional damage is present, allowing for a relatively rapid return to activity. That said, the Colts will continue monitoring Richardson closely during his recovery, ensuring no lingering effect on his throwing ability and overall performance.
Before the injury, Richardson completed 2 of 3 passes, demonstrating some early promise despite the game's early end for him. Daniel Jones, meanwhile, completed 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards during his time on the field but was unable to lead the team to a touchdown, underscoring the Colts’ ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position this preseason.
The Colts are navigating a critical preseason period aimed at determining their Week 1 starter, and Richardson’s health remains a pivotal factor. The finger injury interrupts his momentum but does not appear to threaten his status long term if the recovery proceeds well. Steichen and the Colts staff are expected to keep Richardson involved in preparations as soon as he is physically ready, with hopes for a swift return to practice and game action.
In summary, Anthony Richardson’s dislocated pinkie finger represents a manageable but inconvenient hurdle in the Colts’ quarterback competition. The injury resulted from a hard sack in the preseason opener, leading to his early exit, but medical evaluations have been positive, and Richardson remains upbeat about recovery. The Colts will continue monitoring his progress closely as they balance quarterback repetitions between Richardson and Daniel Jones in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL season.
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