The Indianapolis Colts are going to look vastly different on the offensive side of the ball in Week 3 than they have the first two weeks of the season. That is because rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is not going to be on the field Sunday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens.

Anthony Richardson will remain in the league’s concussion protocols, which means he will miss the first game of his NFL career. The concussion likely occurred on his second touchdown run of the game last week against the Houston Texans.

As he was running into the end zone, he was hit by a defender. Thinking he was home clear, Anthony Richardson was not braced for the hit and his head hit the ground. He remained in the game for one more series but did not return after that following his self-reporting of the concussion in the second quarter.

According to sources who spoke to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there is optimism that the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft will be on the field in Week 4 when the Colts take on the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, that is under the assumption that he passes through protocols.

While there is optimism that this will be a one-week absence for the rookie, there have to be some concerns about his health. He was on the sidelines to finish both games to start his career and is now going to miss the third. 

That is a troubling trend as the Colts need to figure out a way to keep him from getting hurt. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence did offer him some advice following their Week 1 meeting. Lawrence told him that he has to protect himself better and avoid some hits.

It will be Gardner Minshew taking the place of Anthony Richardson in the lineup. Minshew played well in relief last week, completing 19-of-23 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown without an interception. He followed head coach Shane Steichen over from the Philadelphia Eagles so the offense should be in good hands with him leading the charge.