INDIANAPOLIS – Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters Monday of the stellar attendance for the opening day of the franchise’s offseason workout program.
Former fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson, however, was not there.
Richardson is working out privately with his own personal team in Jacksonville, Fla., as the two sides continue to pursue a trade that would give Richardson, the 23-year-old former Florida standout, a fresh start elsewhere.
Richardson requested the opportunity to pursue a trade during the NFL Combine nearly two months ago – a request Colts brass granted – but no deal has come to fruition. The former starting quarterback, who lost out to Daniel Jones in August and suffered a fractured orbital bone in a freak pre-game accident in October, has been back on the field since late-December when he returned to practice.
Ballard said Monday that Richardson “is still recovering a little bit” but that the quarterback has been “cleared for activity” and has been doing typical drills. With his orbital fracture, Richardson suffered vision limitations that had him struggling to handle snaps during on-field work in practice near the end of last season. Ballard indicated in February and on Monday that some aspect of those vision issues still linger, though he’s declined to be specific as to how Richardson’s physical or visual capabilities are presently different than they were at the start of last season.
The Colts general manager wouldn’t entertain what might happen if Indianapolis weren’t able to find a suitable trade partner around the NFL Draft – notably whether the Colts would be willing to simply cut Richardson, despite his $10.8 million cap hit that is fully guaranteed. Ballard also said he’s yet to consider whether the Colts will pick up Richardson’s fifth-year team option – the deadline for which is May 1.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts QB Anthony Richardson not at voluntary workouts; what it means
Reporting by Nathan Brown, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
