Colts QB Anthony Richardson has no timetable to return from shoulder injury after meeting with specialist

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson met with a specialist and still has no timetable to return from a shoulder injury that's sidelining him during minicamp this week.

That's according to head coach Shane Steichen, who provided an update to reporters on Tuesday.

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Steichen told reporters that Richardson flew to Los Angeles to meet with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache about soreness in the AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

The soreness is in the same shoulder that required surgery and sidelined Richardson for most of his rookie season in 2023. ElAttrache performed the surgery. The Colts initially announced Richardson's condition last week and that he would not participate in mandatory minicamp that started Tuesday.

Per Steichen, Richardon's prognosis remains the same after meeting with ElAttrache. He'll continue to rest his sore shoulder. Steichen said last week that the ailment isn't expected to require surgery.

Richardson, the No. 4 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, initially injured his shoulder in Week 6 of his rookie season. He had surgery to repair the AC joint in his shoulder and did not play again in 2023.

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Richardson made 11 starts during the 2024 season in which he was benched in favor of veteran backup Joe Flacco before returning to the lineup late in the season. Richardson has struggled with accuracy during his brief NFL career. He completed 47.7% of his pass attempts in 2024 for 5.4 yards per attempt with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Does Daniel Jones have inside track to starting QB job?

The Colts signed former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones in the offseason to compete with Richardson for the starting job. Like Richardson, Jones struggled in the NFL after being selected in the first round, primarily with turnovers.

Jones threw 47 interceptions and fumbled 50 times in his 70 games with the Giants over the course of six seasons. The Giants signed him to an extension to his rookie contract in 2023 after he showed signs of improvement. But they benched him and ultimately cut him in 2024 after he regressed. He signed with the Vikings late in the season, but didn't play a snap.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in February he wanted "real competition" for Richardson for the starting job. The Colts then signed Jones in March to a one-year, $14 million contract. With Richardson sidelined and his prognosis unclear, Jones appears to have the inside track to the starting job for now.