Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson gave the team an early lead with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter against the Texans, but a hit he took early in the game resulted in him being taken out of the game for several minutes into the second quarter.
After Richardson reported concussion symptoms, the Colts turned to Gardner Minshew to run the offense, and that move did not result in a dip in the offense. Minshew was 19 of 23 for 171 yards and a touchdown as the Colts extended their lead to 21 points before heading home with a 31-20 win.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. praised Minshew’s offensive knowledge and calm demeanor for keeping the team on track.
“Nobody panicked because we know what Gardner can do. . . . He knows this offense inside and out,” Pittman said, via the team’s website. “He knows the look and the readings. And he prepares so well every week. I mean really – he’s like a coach. He literally knows everything. It’s kind of crazy. The way he prepares definitely shows he’s ready at any time.”
The Colts will now wait to see how Richardson’s recovery progresses as they head toward a week three date with the Ravens. They’d like to get the rookie back to full strength, but Minshew’s presence will make it easier to wait for the right time if the first-round pick isn’t ready to play this week.