Anthony Richardson, Bryce Young On Track To Return To Lineups After Missing Time
There's good news on the NFL rookie quarterback front for the Indianapolis Colts with Anthony Richardson and Carolina Panthers with Bryce Young. But it comes at a strange time.
Richardson, who missed last week's game while in concussion protocol, will be practicing on Wednesday, per coach Shane Steichen. Richardson will take starter repetitions in practice but he remains in the concussion protocol.
There is optimism Richardson can clear the protocol by the end of the week.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 24: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts scrambles against the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 24, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Colts defeated the Eagles 27-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Anthony Richardson Back With Colts Starters
Young, the first overall selection of the draft last April, also is expected to practice on Wednesday after missing Sunday's game, per coach Frank Reich. Young is trying to overcome an ankle injury.
Reich said Young "tested" the ankle on Tuesday and responded well enough to work in practice on Wednesday -- at least on a limited basis. Young did not practice at all last week.
The irony is both teams desperately want their young starters back in the lineup despite more than surviving their absence.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 18: Quarterback Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Giants a pre-season football game at MetLife Stadium on August 18, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Panthers Want Bryce Young Over Dalton
The Panthers lost at Seattle but backup quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 361 and two touchdowns without an interception.
The Colts, meanwhile, went to Baltimore and upset the Ravens. No, Indy didn't do a lot of scoring on offense, getting in the end zone only once. But backup Gardner Minshew was a steadying influence for the unit and played well enough -- avoiding any interceptions while throwing a touchdown.
Minshew did have a brain lock moment but that's beside the point of how the game went.
None of that is the point for the Colts or Panthers. These teams are committed to getting their rookie QBs back in the lineup and letting them develop this season.
Both will say the right things, like Steichen talking about wanting to week every week, but the greater point of the season is getting the young quarterbacks to grow up and be ready to play great in the future.
Both are on course to get back in the lineup for Sunday.