Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is unlikely to play again this season.
At least, that's what Colts owner Jim Irsay believes.
Irsay told ESPN on Monday that Richardson is considering season-ending surgery on his injured throwing shoulder.
"The most likelihood is he's probably going to be gone for the year," Irsay said. "I mean, it's not definite but [he] probably misses this year and we're going to have to contend with that factor."
Richardson suffered a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in the Colts' 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. He was hurt with just over 4 1/2 minutes to go in the second quarter when he was tackled by two Titans on a 4-yard run. He took a hit to the left shoulder but appeared to land awkwardly on the right one.
Since he was injured, Richardson and the team's medical staff have consulted with doctors on various treatment options. While they are still gathering information, Irsay said surgery is a more likely choice than rehabilitation.
"There's a debate going, but it's probably going to lead toward surgery in the next week or so," Irsay said. "We're just trying to figure out exactly how and when and what we want to do and what Anthony wants to do."
Irsay's comments came hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen also said surgery was a possibility.
"Obviously, we want to do what's best for him and this organization moving forward," he said. "Like I said, we'll make that decision when the time is right. We're still evaluating that process."
Richardson has made four starts since the Colts drafted him fourth overall in this year's draft, but the dual-threat QB has only been able to finish one game as injuries have forced him out of the other three.
In the Colts' 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 2 on September 17, Richardson suffered a concussion when he took a hard hit to the head at the end of a 15-yard touchdown run.
He was unable to clear the NFL's concussion protocol and Gardner Minshew led Indianapolis to a 22-19 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Richardson returned in Week 4 for an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams - the first game of his young career he was able to complete.
He also suffered a knee bruise on a hard hit near the goal line in the final minutes of a 31-21 season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Steichen said he could have returned, however, and he was taken out as a precaution.
On the season, he has completed 59.5 per cent of his throws for 577 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for an 87.3 passer rating. He has also rushed for 136 yards with four TDs on the ground.
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew made his second start of the season Sunday, passing for 329 yards and a touchdown but also three interceptions in a 37-20 loss to the Jaguars.
He has completed 65.2 per cent of his passes for 882 yards with three TDs and three interceptions for an 81.3 rating.
The Colts are 3-3 and host the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.