The Indianapolis Colts’ first preseason test of the year ended in a 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, but the bigger concern may be the health of starting quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Richardson’s night ended abruptly on the Colts’ second offensive series when he suffered a dislocated pinky finger on his throwing hand after being sacked by Ravens linebacker David Ojabo. Before exiting, the second-year QB completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards, leading Indianapolis to a field goal on its opening drive.
Backup Daniel Jones stepped in for the remainder of the first half, going 10-for-21 for 144 yards but failing to reach the end zone. Rookie Riley Leonard took over in the second half, throwing for 92 yards on 12-of-24 passing with one interception and scoring the Colts’ lone touchdown on a 1-yard run by Khalil Herbert in the third quarter.
Leonard acknowledged there’s still an adjustment from college to the pros. “I made some plays with my legs, but you can’t live on that in this league,” he said. “You’ve got to work through your reads and trust your guys.”
With Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry sitting out, Baltimore leaned heavily on special teams and big-play moments to secure the win. Sixth-round pick LaJohntay Wester delivered the highlight of the night with an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first half, just as he’d predicted during practice.
Running back Keaton Mitchell provided an early spark with a 23-yard run followed by a 22-yard touchdown, putting Baltimore ahead 7-3 in the first quarter. Rookie return specialist Rasheen Ali added a 69-yard kickoff return before punching in a 2-yard score himself, helping the Ravens to a 21-9 halftime lead.
Baltimore’s quarterbacks struggled, combining for just 59 passing yards. Starter Cooper Rush went 2-for-6 for 16 yards with an interception, while Devin Leary added 43 yards and also threw a pick. “We’d like to pass for more than 59 yards – I assure you,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh admitted.
On special teams, rookie kicker Tyler Loop – vying to replace All-Pro Justin Tucker – rebounded from a 46-yard miss to nail a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter, extending Baltimore’s lead to eight. Colts kicker Spencer Shrader made three field goals but missed from 52, hitting the upright in the second quarter.
The game was marred by a serious injury to Ravens defensive back Bilhal Kone, who was carted off in the first quarter with what is expected to be a season-ending knee injury.
Both teams will continue preseason play on August 16, with Baltimore visiting the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis hosting the Green Bay Packers.
