Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson looks to be in 100-percent health, as his long-awaited return to the gridiron had an early exclamation point.
During the first quarter against their AFC South-rival Texans, Richardson dropped back to pass and was hounded by a few defensive linemen, who won their battles against his Indianapolis protectors.
That dissolving pocket made the second-year quarterback slip before regaining his composure and chucking the ball from his own 32-yard line to a streaking Alec Pierce downfield.
Richardson hit Pierce in stride, who outran two Houston defensive backs to catch the ball four yards from the end zone and easily score on the play.
The Colts quarterback missed the final dozen weeks of his rookie season due to a shoulder injury, but his throwing motion has looked great in his return.
Anthony Richardson returned from injury and threw a long touchdown pass for the Colts
The long scoring play came after Richardson’s pocket collapsed before the touchdown
Read More
Indianapolis Colts ‘bracing to lose rookie QB Anthony Richardson for up to SIX WEEKS following MRI on shoulder’… after he suffered a third major injury in just five NFL games
The 60-yard score momentarily put the Colts in front, with the Texans since coming back to take the lead heading into halftime.
Richardson’s longball to Pierce represents the only touchdown of the day for Indianapolis thus far.
By playing the Texans in Week 1, the Colts have one of their most important games of the season in its opener.
The Texans and Colts are the favorites to win their division, with the teams only playing one more time against each other this season, in Houston on October 27.
Richardson impressed with his dual-threat ability before the season-ending injury and appears to be picking up right where he left off.
Not every throw from Richardson has been exemplary in his return. He had a second-quarter pass intercepted by a diving Calen Bullock.
