“You quit on your team”: Shannon Sharpe calls out Anthony Richardson for “disservice” as Colts try luck with Philip Rivers over 1st round QB pick

The Indianapolis Colts utilized their 2023 first-round pick to acquire quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, his performance so far has been underwhelming, as he has failed to lead the team to a single playoff appearance.

This year, Richardson lost his QB1 job to Daniel Jones and has been out with an orbital fracture that he suffered in Week 6. However, the team also lost Jones to a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. This resulted in the Colts signing 44-year-old Philip Rivers after he unretired to play for his former team after five years.

On Tuesday's episode of "Nightcap," Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco discussed Anthony Richardson's career in the league so far. They criticized him for "quitting" on his team while highlighting the tapping out incident last season, when the quarterback subbed himself out during a game against the Texans because of "fatigue."

"I think they (the Colts) are so over him (Anthony Richardson)," Sharpe said. "You quit on your team. You tapped yourself out. I've never ever seen or heard of a quarterback tapping himself and coming out. And then he said he was tired.

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"They did him a disservice. They said he was a project, even they took him knowing this. And they started him. Anthony Richardson bro, you gotta make a decision man. You gotta make a decision. You're the fourth pick in the entire draft, you're immensely talented. But talent alone won't cut it."

So far in three seasons, Richardson has tallied 2400 yards and 11 TDs passing.

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Anthony Richardson injury update

The former No.4 overall pick was cleared by the team's medical staff on Monday.

"#Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared medically coming off his orbital fracture from Oct.12 and the hope is to have him back practiciing in the near future, sources tell @CBSSports," as per Matt Zenitz.

However, the quarterback remained on the IR list with no update from the Colts on when he'll return to practice. Philip Rivers was named the starting quarterback during Sunday's 18-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran quarterback completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Colts are currently placed third in the AFC South behind the Texans and the Jaguars. They are 8-6 with a four-game losing streak.

Shane Steichen and his team are next scheduled to face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Edited by Priyam Hazarika