With a standard offense and struggling defense, the Indianapolis Colts now sit in the 2nd spot in the AFC South table. Nonetheless, before losing their last game with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team experienced a nightmare, losing Anthony Richardson to injury.
As injury concerns continued to intensify, the Colts did not hesitate to implement two bold moves by dismissing one player from their offense and claiming another from the New England Patriots for defense.
Indianapolis Colts cut ties with Amari Rodgers
The Colts severed their relationship with veteran player Amari Rodgers on Friday. The move was shocking, as Rodgers had just recently joined the team. The move was astonishing because the squad had only recently recruited Rodgers.
After putting CB Dallis Flowers on injured reserve with a season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts promoted the receiver from the practice squad as a free agent on Aug. 2. This season, he has been on both the active roster and the practice squad for the Colts. He participated in a season-high 20 offensive snaps and 18 special teams snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6 before departing Indianapolis, as per Sports Illustrated.
We have claimed CB Ameer Speed off waivers (from New England) and waived WR Amari Rodgers.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 20, 2023
In a matching move, shortly after cutting Amari, the Indianapolis team claimed New England Patriots defensive back Ameer Speed. Speed was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan State.
However, on October 19, the Patriots released the rookie cornerback, making him the first member of the team’s Class of 2023 to be cut, freeing up a spot on the 53-man roster. Before the transfer, the player started five of the first six games of this season for Bill Belichick’s underperforming team.
During these games, the rookie player totaled two defensive tackles and one special team tackle. Furthermore, if Speed had passed waivers, the NY team could have added him back to the practice squad.
Colts’ Anthony Richardson to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery
On October 8, Anthony Richardson experienced an AC joint strain while playing the Titans. In his case, Colts management was adamant from the start that surgery was the best course of action.
However, the medical personnel of the team, together with other experts from across the nation, intended to devote their time and take into account all the information that was available. After considering the situations, the parties finally reached a conclusion to let the quarterback undergo surgery to repair his right shoulder, which the owner Jim Irsay announced Wednesday on X.
“After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season,” the post read.
After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season. Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our…
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 18, 2023
The owner hailed their rookie athlete as a fantastic “competitor” and added that this was the most appropriate course to pursue for his long-term health and complete recuperation after gathering multiple medical opinions.
“Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our team. We collected several medical opinions and we felt this was the best course of action for his long-term health.”
In addition to completing 50 of 84 pass attempts for 577 yards and three touchdowns, Richardson also ran 25 times for 136 yards and four more scores after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts with their fourth overall draft pick of the season.
The Colts will square off against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7 and already the injury reports of both teams have been released. Which team will emerge victorious? Make sure to drop your predictions in the comments.
