The decision to keep Colts starting quarterback Anthony Richardson out of Sunday’s crucial game against the Giants was based on Richardson’s ability to play, according to Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen.
Steichen initially informed reporters that Richardson was sore from last week’s win against the Titans, but following Sunday’s 45-33 loss, he confirmed the nature of Richardson’s injury, characterizing it as back spasms.
Richardson’s injury restricted his mobility and movement.
“It was back spasms,” Steichen explained. “That was bad. He was unable to go; otherwise, he would have been out there. He was just not able to attend today.”
Steichen does not normally provide information on player problems, but there was public uncertainty when the head coach revealed Friday that Richardson was struggling with ongoing pain.
The Colts’ head coach admits that he could have been more forthright about the starting quarterback’s injury.
“I should have said spasms,” Steichen explained.
When asked why he was unwilling to say Friday that Richardson was suffering from spasms, Steichen cited his ongoing philosophy of keeping many details private rather than revealing them publicly. In addition to injuries — Steichen often acknowledges the part of the body that is injured, rather than the specific diagnosis — Steichen prefers to avoid answering detailed questions about his offensive scheme, as well as decisions about personnel movements and playing time.
“I like to keep a lot of things in-house, you know what I mean?” Steichen said. “That’s part of it.”
