Colts QB Gardner Minshew in line to start in Week 3

Richardson has not taken part in practice all week, including an absence on Friday, per The Athletic’s James Boyd. The No. 4 pick has yet to be ruled out officially, but his chances of clearing the league’s concussion protocol within the next 48 hours are slim. As a result, Gardner Minshew is in line to start for Indianapolis against the Ravens in Week 3.

Minshew took over for Richardson after he exited the Colts’ win over the Texans. The 27-year-old went 19-for-23 and recorded 171 passing yards and one touchdown, numbers which helped move the offense at an efficient clip and prove his effectiveness as a fill-in option. Minshew split first-team reps with Richardson at the onset of training camp, but it was quickly decided that the latter would assume starting duties right away with Minshew representing a known commodity available on the bench.

The former sixth-rounder signed a one-year deal in March, following head coach Shane Steichen from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. Minshew spent a pair of seasons under Steichen during his time as the Eagles offensive coordinator, making four starts and nine total appearances. His performance there wasn’t enough to garner interest as a starter on a new team, and it was widely understood the Colts would follow up the Minshew signing by drafting a signal-caller early in April. Their decision to add a well-known insurance policy will be proven to be a sound one, presuming Richardson is indeed ruled out in the near future.

While it is likely the 21-year-old will sit out Sunday’s contest, he is optimistic he will be back in action for the following week, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes. A cautious approach would come as no surprise so early in Richardson’s career, considering the investment made in him and the presence of a veteran as a spot starter while he recovers. For at least one full game, it will in all likelihood be Minshew at the helm.