Colts Overcome Injuries to Secure Week 6 Win

The Colts encountered some unexpected challenges before their Week 6 victory against the Cardinals, specifically with quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and cornerback Charvarius Ward both getting injured during warm-ups.

Richardson, who was relegated to backup behind former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones prior to the season, suffered an orbital fracture when a resistance band he was using somehow became lodged in his eye during warm-ups.

He was quickly taken to a local hospital and was ruled out for the game. Head coach Shane Steichen later indicated that Richardson would be out for a significant period of time.

Rookie Riley Leonard stepped up as the No. 2 quarterback behind Jones, helping the Colts achieve an impressive 5-1 record over their first six games.

During the warm-ups, cornerback Charvarius Ward collided with backup tight end Drew Ogletree and ended up sustaining a concussion.

It was his second concussion this season, having previously missed the victory against the Broncos in Week 2.

“We had to regroup and refocus,” Steichen told reporters after the game, reflecting on the team’s challenge.

As for standings, the Colts (5-1) now sit alone in first place in the AFC South after the Jaguars (4-2) lost 20-12 to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Jones had a productive day, finishing with 22 points, 212 yards, two touchdown passes, a rushing score, along with one interception.

After six games, Jones completed 129 of 180 passes for 1,502 yards, tallying eight touchdowns, three interceptions, and four rushing touchdowns. This stability has come in the wake of Richardson’s brief time as the Colts’ starter.

Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft and had started 15 games in the previous season.

In total, he has completed 177 of 350 passes for 2,400 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions throughout his career. Known for his agility, he has rushed 115 times for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns.

On the defensive side, Ward has contributed nine tackles this season and is two years removed from his sole Pro Bowl selection with the San Francisco 49ers.

He was also a second-team All-Pro that year and recorded five of his ten career interceptions in 2023. The 29-year-old was a member of the Chiefs team that won Super Bowl LIV in 2020.