Anthony Richardson is Colts backup QB 'if he gets cleared by doctors' per Shane Steichen

INDIANAPOLIS — Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson is eligible to come off injured reserve this week after missing the past four games due to an orbital fracture suffered before the Colts’ win over Arizona.

But it sounds like Richardson will need more time before opening the 21-day practice window that serves as a precursor to a player being activated off injured reserve.

Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen did not have an update on Richardson’s status on Monday, the first day after the Colts finished their bye week.

“AR’s still rehabbing, getting better there,” Steichen said.

Richardson underwent surgery to repair the fracture shortly after the freak accident, which involved an apparatus snapping after he’d tied a resistance band to it, leading to a severe injury to Richardson’s eye in the hours before the Colts played the Cardinals.

Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard has served as the backup to starting quarterback Daniel Jones since then, playing six snaps in mop-up duty of the team’s blowout win over the Titans. Indianapolis also signed veteran Brett Rypien to the practice squad as an emergency option in case something happens to Jones.

If Richardson is able to return this season, the third-year quarterback will step back into the No. 2 role behind Jones.

“Yeah,” Steichen said. “If he gets cleared by the doctors.”

Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Anthony Richardson injury update: Colts QB rehabbing orbital fracture