How the Colts have set up QB Anthony Richardson for a big bounce-back year

There will have to be patience in Anthony Richardson's return in 2024. 

Even with rave reviews of his shoulder rehab and workouts in the lead-up to the start of the Colts' offseason program last month, last year's No. 4 pick will be monitored in OTAs in the upcoming weeks. Maybe that continues into training camp this summer, too. And there may be rookie mistakes on the field. After all, Richardson played just 173 snaps — including just one full game — before suffering a season-ending AC joint sprain in Week 5 last season. There are many learning experiences that he didn't have that he will have to go through in 2024. 

All those factors hang over Richardson, whose health and play will define the Colts' success this season. Their lack of significant moves in free agency represent a belief in his ability to elevate the team into contention. 

What if that ability truly exceeds expectations?

On paper, Indianapolis has set the foundation for a potentially big bounce back for Richardson in Year 2. 

General manager Chris Ballard has emphasized the need to protect Richardson and get him more weapons in the offseason. The Colts backed that up in the draft, using four of their top five picks on an offense that was a top-10 scoring unit last season: offensive linemen Matt Goncalves (third round) and Tanor Bortolini (fourth round) and wide receivers Adonai Mitchell (second round) and Anthony Gould (fifth round).

Indianapolis already has an established starting offensive line in Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries and Braden Smith. As mid-round picks, Goncalves and Bortolini add valuable depth. 

The Colts see positional flexibility in both players. They believe Gonclaves — who they traded up for in the third round