Anthony Richardson Injury Fantasy Football Impact: How Gardner Minshew Starting Affects Other Colts
The Indianapolis Colts were forced to put rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson on the injured reserve list with a right shoulder injury. He will miss at least the next four weeks, and possibly up to eight weeks.
Gardnew Minshew will be the team’s new starter. Many fantasy owners are wondering how that will affect some of the Colts’ skill players on offense, so let’s discuss just that.
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Gardner Minshew Fantasy Outlook
Minshew has already played in parts of four games this season, including one start. That’s because Richardson has dealt with several injuries.
In Richardson’s time on the field, he’s completed 50-of-84 passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He’s also rushed for 136 yards and four scores on 25 carries.
Minshew isn’t the running threat that Richardson is, but he’s shown to be a more-than-capable passer so far. He’s completed 57-of-83 passes for 553 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Minshew has played for three franchises during his NFL career, took part in 37 games and made 25 starts, so he’s not your typical backup. With what he’s shown this year, I’m not sure there’s going to be all that much of a dropoff from when Richardson has been on the field.
As I mentioned already though, Minshew isn’t the running threat that Richardson is, so that's where the offense is going to look a bit different.
Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss Fantasy Outlook
Since we’re talking about the running game, let’s discuss the team’s two running backs, Taylor and Moss.
Usually we’d be discussing the ultra-talented Taylor first, but he’s only played limited snaps in one game, and Moss has been dominating of late, so let’s talk about Moss now.
Moss took over as the team’s starter in week 2 and hasn’t looked back, rushing for at least 70 yards in each game. He’s coming off his best game yet, which also coincided with the return of Taylor.
As mentioned in a breakdown of Taylor and Moss, Indy had planned on slowly working Taylor back into the mix, and Moss made that easy to do in week 5 with his outstanding play. Over time though, I’d expect Taylor to regain hold of the starting job and serve as the team’s lead back.
In his first game back, Taylor played just 10 offensive snaps. He rushed for 18 yards on six carries and added a 16-yard reception on his lone target.
With Richardson out for the next month or even longer, Moss and Taylor might get the couple extra carries a game that would have gone to Richardson. If the team wants to keep both backs involved until Richardson returns, they could both be worthy starters after the workload evens out.
Michael Pittman, Josh Downs Fantasy Outlook
Indy has just two wideouts over 10 catches on the season. Pittman leads the team with 31 grabs, while Downs has 23.
Pittman has had a couple down games in a row, but still has 297 yards and a touchdown on 46 total targets. His 6.2 receptions per game mark is right on pace with what he produced a season ago.
A part of the reason why the Colts have still found ways to win despite some injuries and down play by guys like Pittman has been the emergence of Downs. The rookie had his best game of the season in week 5, catching all six of his targets for 97 yards. He’s had at least 30 receiving yards in all five games, but his targets have varied from 3-12, so it’s not been all that consistent.
Some of the inconsistency issues from the Colts’ wideouts probably has to do with going from Richardson to Minshew several times already. It’s unfortunate Richardson is going to be out for several weeks, but I believe it will allow pass catchers like Pittman and Downs to get into a better rhythm and start putting up more consistent fantasy outings.
Alec Pierce has been the team’s third-best wideout, but he only has eight grabs on 16 targets, going for 124 yards and no scores. With Pittman and Downs clearly ahead of him, and Taylor and Moss to utilize out of the backfield, I don’t see Pierce emerging as a relevant fantasy player unless there’s an injury to one of those guys.
Kylen Granson, Andrew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox Fantasy Outlook
Granson, Ogetree and Alie-Cox have all caught a touchdown pass already this season, but none of the trio has done much else in the passing game.
Granson does have 13 catches on 22 targets for 103 yards, but he’s not relevant unless you are in a deep league.
The same can be said for Ogletree and Alie-Cox. Ogletree has seven grabs on 10 targets for 95 yards, while Alie-Cox has 67 yards on three catches and five targets.
It’s great that the team has three tight ends it trusts in the passing game, but their balanced playing time makes them nonfactors for standard leagues. Granson has played 186 snaps, while Ogletree is at 111 and Alie-Cox is at 107.
Who to Start in Week 6
Indy has a huge week 6 matchup looming with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The winner takes over first place in the AFC South.
Between the quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end positions, Jacksonville is worst at slowing opposing quarterbacks.
In his lone start, Minshew threw for 227 yards and a touchdown. That’s a decent fantasy outing, but not one that immediately makes him a must start against a below-average defense like the Jaguars. I’d have to see your other options at the position before making a true call on Minshew as a starter.
Jacksonville has been among the best teams in the league in slowing opposing backs, allowing an average of just 15 fantasy points a game. As I mentioned in my story on Taylor and Moss, I think the snap count and workload will begin to even out more this week, so I’m not a huge fan of starting Moss or Taylor this week. One of them would have to break off a long run or score to really put forth a great score, and it’s just too tough to tell who it might be at this point. I’d avoid both guys unless I’m in a deeper league.
The Jaguars’ defense has been average against opposing wideouts, allowing an average of 37 fantasy points a contest. That makes both Pittman and Downs solid plays this week. I like Pittman to get back on track, and like him to outproduce Downs. I think Downs is also worthy of consideration at your flex spot, but would need to see your other options to make a true decision.
Jacksonville has been below average in slowing tight ends, with an average of 14 fantasy points allowed a game. It would be a great matchup for an Indy tight end, but given the balanced approach, I wouldn’t start any of Granson, Ogletree or Alie-Cox unless I’m in a deeper league. I think Granson has the best chance of leading the trio in fantasy points.
