Anthony Richardson: Combine stats| Eye injury| Record as a starter

Anthony Richardson: Athletic Combine Stats, Vision Injury, and NFL Starter Record

Anthony Dashawn Richardson Sr. has been one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects and young NFL players of the last decade — a once-in-a-generation athlete with jaw-dropping physical metrics, but a professional journey that has been derailed by injuries and inconsistent play to date. From record-setting Combine results to an eye injury that affected his career trajectory, here’s a detailed and SEO-rich look at Richardson’s story through early 2026.

Historic NFL Combine Performance

When Anthony Richardson arrived at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, scouts and analysts were eager to see if his raw physical gifts would translate into elite testing numbers — and he exceeded all expectations. Richardson recorded one of the most remarkable athletic performances in Combine history, especially for a quarterback:

Combine Metrics

Richardson’s 4.43-second 40-yard dash ranks among the fastest times ever recorded by a quarterback at the Combine, showing rare speed for a signal caller his size.

But where Richardson truly stole the show was in the jumping events:

• His 40.5-inch vertical jump set a modern Combine record for quarterbacks.

• He also posted a 10′9″ broad jump, the best mark among QBs that year and one of the top all-time.

These metrics propelled Richardson into top-10 draft considerations and showcased an unparalleled level of explosiveness for his position. Many analysts equated his measurables to those of legendary athletic QBs like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson — players he himself cited as inspirations.

What the Combine Meant

Richardson’s Combine performance cemented his reputation as a high-ceiling, high-potential prospect. Scouts praised his:

• Unmatched physical tools for a quarterback

• Dual-threat athleticism (passing + rushing ability)

• Potential to change the DPS of an offense

However, while the Combine set the stage for his draft stock, it also underscored the key NFL challenge for Richardson: turning physical gifts into consistent pro success. Some draft evaluators cautioned that elite athleticism doesn’t automatically translate into elite decision-making or accuracy at the next level.

The Eye Injury and Its Impact

Richardson’s professional career has been punctuated by injuries, perhaps none more bizarre or impactful than his orbital bone fracture in 2025. In a freak pregame accident before the Colts’ matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, a piece of warm-up exercise equipment malfunctioned and struck Richardson in the face, resulting in a fractured orbital bone.

Injury Details

• The injury occurred during warmups, not a game play.

• Richardson was taken to the hospital and placed on injured reserve.

• The fracture caused temporary vision limitations, a uniquely concerning situation for a quarterback.

In December 2025, reports confirmed that Richardson had begun practicing again after a two-month absence, but his vision had still not returned to 100%. Colts coaches and executives publicly praised Richardson’s attitude and progress, but acknowledged it was a unique recovery process.

Career Disruption

Between the eye injury and prior strains — including shoulder, oblique, back, and concussion issues — Richardson’s development as a full-time starter has been consistently interrupted. Furthermore, this injury situation coincided with the Colts turning to other quarterbacks, such as Daniel Jones, to stabilize the position.

For a player whose draft path was built on athletic promise, injuries have unfortunately become a defining theme early in his professional tenure.

NFL Record as a Starter

Going into the 2026 offseason, Richardson’s starter record paints an incomplete but telling picture of his NFL career so far.

Across parts of three seasons:

• Richardson has started 15 games for the Indianapolis Colts.

• His record as a starter is 8–7.

• He’s completed 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

• On the ground, he’s rushed for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns.

These numbers reflect a dual-threat quarterback, but also one who has struggled with:

• accuracy and consistency

• injuries that limited continuity

• offensive instability

Critics and analysts have noted that while his athletic profile is elite, Richardson has yet to demonstrate consistency in reading defenses, accuracy, and NFL decision-making — key elements for successful franchise quarterbacks.

Colts Quarterback Competition

In the 2025 offseason and season, the Colts opted to name Daniel Jones as the Week 1 starter over Richardson in camp, signaling a shift away from Richardson’s expected development path. Later in 2026, the Colts even allowed Richardson to seek a trade, indicating major changes in his future potential with the franchise.

Evaluating Richardson’s Career: The Good and the Bad

 Strengths

• Elite athleticism — Richardson’s Combine stats remain some of the most impressive ever for a quarterback.
• Rushing threat — Adds a unique dynamic to a passing offense with his legs.
• Upside potential — NFL teams and fans still see something to build on.

Challenges

Injury history — Multiple setbacks have hampered continuity.
Inconsistent passing accuracy — Struggles completing passes consistently at the NFL level.
Competition at QB — Colts have shown preference for other starters.

In short, Richardson’s career so far captures the quintessential boom or bust narrative — a tantalizing blend of elite physical gifts and tough professional growing pains.

Future Outlook

As of early 2026, Richardson is eligible to seek a trade away from the Colts. Reports suggest interest from other teams, potentially offering a fresh start for the talented but wounded quarterback.

For Richardson to fulfill his potential:

• He’ll need full health and recovery from his eye injury.

• He must improve accuracy and decision-making under pressure.

• A stable offensive system and coaching support will be crucial.

Some quarterback careers don’t follow a straight path. With his blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability, Richardson still has tools that could translate to success if properly harnessed.

FAQs About Anthony Richardson

1. What records did Anthony Richardson set at the NFL Combine?
Richardson set modern Combine records for a quarterback with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10′9″ broad jump, and posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash.

2. What injury did Richardson suffer in 2025?
He suffered an orbital bone fracture in a freak pregame accident that temporarily affected his vision and led to missed playing time.

3. How many games has Richardson started in the NFL?
Through part of three seasons, Richardson has started 15 games with an 8–7 record.

4. Why has Richardson struggled to stay healthy?
In addition to the eye injury, Richardson has dealt with multiple injuries — including shoulder, oblique, back, and concussion issues — which have interrupted his continuity and development.

5. What does the future hold for Anthony Richardson in the NFL?
With the Colts granting him permission to seek a trade, Richardson may find a new opportunity elsewhere. A healthy, stable environment and continued development are key for his long-term success.