Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was ruled out against the Steelers after exiting Sunday's 27-24 win in the first quarter with a hip injury.
Richardson slid awkwardly at the end of a 1-yard run at the Pittsburgh 5-yard line, forcing an accidental helmet-to-helmet hit from Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Colts QB got up under his own power and limped to the sideline before heading to the locker room.
The belief is Richardson suffered a hip pointer and the team decided to play it safe with his health by ruling him out while the Colts held a 17-0 lead, NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported Sunday, per a source.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen did not have an update on Richardson's status following the game, but Richardson did not appear to be overly concerned about his status when talking to Wolfe after the game at his locker.
Richardson wasn't the only Colt injured on Sunday, as running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a high ankle sprain, but it's not believed to be serious, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Rapoport characterized it as a "pretty mild version" of a high ankle sprain for Taylor, who is believed to be "OK," per a source.
The hip injury Richardson suffered appeared to have been an aggravation from a play earlier in the drive. The 22-year-old left the game for two snaps after sustaining a big hit at the end of a 16-yard run. Richardson, whose fumble on the play was recovered by the Colts, motioned toward his back/hip area in pain upon exiting the first time.
"He felt good to go back in, ran the play and then felt it more after that next play," Steichen told reporters, per 107.5 The Fan.
The Colts were leading, 7-0, at the time of Richardson's exit. Joe Flacco found Josh Downs for a touchdown two plays after Indianapolis' starter went to the locker room.
Richardson led an eight-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to begin the game. The second-year starter completed 3 of 4 passes for 71 yards while adding 26 rushing yards.
In his first extended action of the season, Flacco finished 16-of-26 passing for 168 yards and two touchdowns to lead Indianapolis to its second win of the year.