Freak Eye Injury Sidelines Colts QB Anthony Richardson Before Pre-Season Debut

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson’s highly anticipated pre-season debut took an unexpected and rather bizarre turn on Friday night. Just hours before he was set to take the field against the Arizona Cardinals, a "freak eye injury" unexpectedly sidelined the promising young signal-caller, leaving fans and teammates alike surprised and concerned.

Reports emerged detailing that Richardson woke up with a peculiar and sudden inflammation in his eye and nasal area.

Describing it himself as a "weird inflammation," the issue quickly raised alarms. While initial speculation pointed towards a severe allergic reaction or even a minor infection, team medical staff, along with Richardson's own assessment, leaned towards the possibility of pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed the media, confirming the unexpected development.

"He woke up this morning, had some weird inflammation in his nose/eye," Steichen explained. "So it looked like pink eye. We were going to hold him out, just precautionary, for this week." The decision to keep Richardson off the field was a purely preventative measure, aimed at ensuring his long-term health and preventing any potential spread of infection within the locker room.

For Richardson, the news was undoubtedly a letdown.

Having prepared diligently for his first professional game action, the sudden health setback meant he would have to wait a little longer to showcase his talents. Despite the disappointment, the team emphasized that his health was paramount, and no risks would be taken, especially with such a valued rookie.

Pink eye is a common and usually mild eye infection or inflammation, but it is highly contagious.

The team's swift action to rule him out highlights their commitment to player safety and the importance of preventing an outbreak. While not a serious injury in the traditional sense, it was significant enough to derail a key moment in Richardson's nascent NFL career.

Fans eager to see the athletic quarterback in action will now have to mark their calendars for the Colts' next pre-season outing, hoping that Richardson makes a swift and full recovery from this unusual and untimely ailment.

This unexpected hurdle serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where even non-contact, off-field incidents can shift a team's immediate plans.