NFL News: Anthony Richardson Will Miss Week 3

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In a sudden twist of events, the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson, has been sidelined for the upcoming face-off against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, owing to a concussion.

 With Richardson out, the spotlight now shifts to the seasoned Gardner Minshew, who’s slated to lead the Colts’ offensive front this weekend. This won’t help the Colts BUSR NFL Lines, as they already favored the Ravens. 

This announcement came on Friday, following Richardson’s absence from the week’s practice sessions post the concussion he endured in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. The budding quarterback’s health woes have thrust Minshew into a starting role, marking his first start since the 2022 season’s Week 17.

Minshew’s previous stint on the field was quite remarkable. He replaced Richardson during the last game, showcasing a strong arm with 19 completions out of 23 attempts, accumulating 171 yards, and scoring a touchdown. Now, with a starter’s tag, Minshew is anticipated to bring his A-game against the Ravens, a team he faced as a Jaguar in 2020 with a commendable performance despite the loss.

Additionally, Colts’ starting center Ryan Kelly, another casualty from the clash against the Texans, is also ruled out for Sunday’s game due to a concussion. In light of this, Wesley French, who debuted his career with 19 offensive snaps last week, is expected to fill Kelly’s void.

Minshew’s entry into the spotlight isn’t a fluke. Boasting a solid track record, the quarterback has often been regarded as one of the most reliable backups in the league. With 45 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in the 34 NFL games he’s been part of, Minshew holds a significant 3-to-1 TD to interception ratio, ranking eighth in the league. Despite a tumultuous journey with a 8-16 record as a starter, his earlier stint with the Eagles and the Jaguars exhibited flashes of effectiveness that the Colts desperately need now.

Head coach Shane Steichen expressed confidence in Minshew’s readiness for the task ahead, reminiscing on his previous composed performances. With Richardson’s dual-threat capabilities temporarily on hold, the Colts are banking on Minshew’s experience to navigate through the Ravens’ defense.  

The BUSR NFL Odds for the upcoming game indicate a notable betting spread, with the Colts at +8 (-110) and the Ravens at -8 (-110). In the moneyline, the Colts are positioned at +300, showing a higher return potential compared to the Ravens who are heavy favorites at -409. The total over/under line is set at 44.5 (-110), suggesting a moderate scoring game is anticipated.

Protecting Richardson: A Priority

Richardson’s NFL journey has been bumpy, with injuries cutting short his appearances. His knack for rushing has often left him exposed to hard hits, a concern echoed by teammates like Michael Pittman Jr., who humorously noted Richardson’s need for caution. 

The young quarterback’s health is a storyline that continues to evolve, with his recent concussion adding to the concerns. Prior concussions both in the NFL and during his 2021 season at Florida underline the imperative for protective measures.

As Richardson recuperates, all eyes will be on Minshew and how he marshals the Colts against a formidable Ravens side. As Minshew steps onto the field this Sunday, the Colts’ faith in their roster depth will be put to a stern test. Amid the bittersweet quarterback switch, Minshew Mania’s resurgence is a spectacle eagerly awaited by both the Colts’ faithful and football fans.