Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and the majority of the team’s starters will play “a series or two” in the preseason opener on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, coach Shane Steichen said.

Richardson will be under center in a game for the first time since sustaining a season-ending injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder in Week 5 last season. That ended the rookie season of the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after just four games.

“He’s really excited,” Steichen said Friday. “I can’t wait. I’m happy for him. Getting back out there, it’s been a long process for him, going through his rehab. But he’s attacked it the right way every day. So to get him back out there with the guys on Sunday is going to be awesome.”

Richardson said Friday that he was looking forward to taking the field.

“It’s a blessing. I’m thankful that coach Shane’s letting me play this game and I’ll go out there and make a few plays,” Richardson said.

Richardson, 22, was 2-2 in his starts last season. He completed 59.5 percent of his passes (50 of 84) for 577 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. He ran for 136 yards and scored four touchdowns but fumbled three times.

–Field Level Media