Anthony Richardson’s preseason scare with a dislocated right pinky finger has Colts fans holding their breath but optimism remains. A quick X-ray cleared him for a day-to-day timeline, and Richardson revealed the finger was popped back into place by Indianapolis’ medical staff. Best-case: Week 1 against the Dolphins without a major setback. The moment underscores Richardson’s durability questions given a history of injuries, while keeping fantasy managers vigilant about Week 1 risk and the Colts’ passing upside if he’s healthy.

From a fantasy lens, Richardson’s rushing upside cushions some risk, but a potential Week 1 absence could tilt targets toward the run game and rely more on Colts pass-catchers when he’s active. The development colors Week 1 expectations vs. Miami and injects a layer of uncertainty into Indianapolis’ aerial attack expectations early in the season while spotlighting how backup scenarios could shape opening-week projections.

Anthony Richardson's preseason showing highlighted upside and risk in a single evening. A five-man protection on a hot-side read helped Baltimore pressure him, ending with a pinky injury and an early exit. The moment underscored a recurring theme for Richardson: his physical gifts are immense, but the nuance of protection and sighted reads remains a work in progress as he enters his third NFL season.

Daniel Jones stepped in to finish the game for the Colts, delivering 10-of-21 for 144 yards as Richardson watched from the sideline. Coach Shane Steichen stressed consistency and the need for Richardson to stay on the field to gain live reps and sharpen timing. In fantasy terms, Richardson's ceiling remains high thanks to rushing ability, but the path there is tethered to improvement in reads, protection discipline, and durability.

For fantasy managers, the key questions center on Richardson's timetable, how quickly he can fix the hot-read misreads, and how Indianapolis schemes around protection while he develops. Ashton Dulin and the Colts' pass catchers could see more defined roles if protection stabilizes, while Daniel Jones offers a potential later-season contingency if Richardson misses time. The week-one profile will hinge on how the Colts adjust to attacking fronts and how quickly Richardson reasserts his dynamic passing/rushing mix.

Anthony Richardson exited Indianapolis' preseason opener against Baltimore with a dislocated pinky on his throwing hand after a sack by David Ojabo, raising immediate red flags about his availability. The injury, visible as his right pinky bent awkwardly, popped back in and left the rookie in doubt for upcoming action. Daniel Jones stepped in and tossed for 144 yards on 10-of-21, while Riley Leonard added 92 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-24 as backups helped the Ravens pull away in a 24-16 win. Coach Shane Steichen said the pinky popped out and back in, but offered no precise return timeline. Richardson’s status could swing the Colts’ QB competition, especially since Richardson and Jones were atop the first unofficial depth chart. From a fantasy lens, this dynamic injects volatility into Indy’s passing game and could shift the roles of surrounding skill players if Richardson misses time.

Richardson’s exit accelerates the hand-wringing around Week 1 plans and the Colts’ overall ceiling. If the rookie sits, Jones provides veteran steadiness with a real rushing floor, while Leonard represents a potential late-season upside if the Colts lean into a longer-term development plan. The Ravens’ defense showed pressure and efficiency in the opener, underscoring the need for Colts pass protection and playmakers to emerge quickly. The injury also elevates the importance of monitoring subsequent practices for any update on Richardson’s return and any potential shift in Indy’s quarterback roadmap going into the season.

Anthony Richardson exited Indianapolis’ preseason opener after a sack by David Ojabo, injuring his right hand and handing the reins the rest of the night to Daniel Jones. The moment underscored a troubling pattern for Richardson, who has battled injuries in each of his two NFL seasons. Draft Sharks’ durability score pegs him at 2.3 out of 5 with roughly a 40% chance of another injury in 2025, elevating the stakes for Colts pass-catchers and weekly plan ahead of Week 1.

If Richardson misses time, Indianapolis could pivot to a run-first rhythm and lean on a patchwork offensive line, potentially muting upside for fantasy-relevant targets. The hand injury adds to a portfolio of previous absences, including a concussion and various sprains, intensifying questions about week-to-week availability and how much initial usage the Colts will allocate to Richardson when he’s healthy again.

Owners should monitor official status updates closely, because a setback could shift early-season projections for Pittman, Granson, and the receiving corps. In the meantime, fantasy managers might reassess risk-reward, weighing Richardson’s ceiling against the likelihood of missed time and how a backup QB performance could tilt offensive efficiency and target distribution in Colts games.

Overall, the incident casts a sharper light on Richardson’s durability narrative and could influence how aggressively fantasy rosters invest in Colts pass-game pieces, especially if the rookie’s availability remains uncertain through early September drills.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is on track to return to practice after a dislocated pinkie finger injury suffered during the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury occurred when Richardson was sacked by linebacker David Ojabo, bending his finger awkwardly. Fortunately, the team's medical staff swiftly repositioned the joint, allowing Richardson to test his grip and throw light passes shortly thereafter.

Richardson's quick recovery is crucial as he aims to solidify his role as the starting quarterback this season. With significant expectations placed on him following a promising college career, his health will play a critical role in the Colts' offensive strategy moving forward. Coaches and fans alike are eager to see him back on the field and leading the team.