Teammates rave about Colts' Anthony Richardson ahead of second season

It certainly sounds like teammates expect Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will make a positive leap following his disappointing and short-lived rookie season.

"It’s great," All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson said Tuesday about Richardson participating in the club's voluntary offseason program, per Mike Chappell of Fox 59. "He’s everything you want in a quarterback. Seeing him work around the building and working in silence and then going out there and being a leader. He’s been very on the details and he’s looking good."

Richardson entered the NFL as a raw prospect who became the fourth pick of the 2023 draft. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen named Richardson his full-time starter shortly after the club's first preseason game, but the 21-year-old ultimately made just four starts before he went down with a campaign-ending shoulder injury that left him needing surgery.

"Energy," Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II said about what Richardson offers the team. "Obviously, energy that really wasn’t there last year. Obviously, he wasn’t in the building."

In total, Richardson completed 50-of-84 passes (59.5%) for 577 yards with three touchdowns and an interception as a first-year pro. He also accumulated 136 rushing yards and four scores on 25 attempts.

"AR is excited and I think we’re going to be explosive," receiver Josh Downs said about his fellow 2023 rookie. "[He’s] joking around a lot, taking control of the team. He’s excited to be here. I’m really seeing him grow and mature. I’m getting closer to him each and every day; everybody is. I see a real competitor and a real gamer."

A sprained AC joint in his right shoulder wasn't Richardson's only physical setback this past season. He took a shot to his knee late in Indianapolis' Week 1 game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he suffered a concussion in Week 2.

While offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter acknowledged that "it’s good to get [Richardson] back," Cooter previously said the signal-caller must locate "that sweet spot of being able to use [his] athleticism" and then be able to "play that next play."

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Richardson fourth among the betting favorites at +750 odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award for the upcoming season. For such a goal to be possible, Richardson will first need to show he can stay healthy across more than a handful of games at the highest level.