According to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson had successful surgery on October 24 to repair the AC joint injury of his right throwing shoulder. Richardson was injured during an October 8 win over the Tennessee Titans after getting tackled on a 4-yard designed run. Richardson remained on the ground and immediately pointed to his right shoulder. I was in attendance with my 7 year old and there was an audible gasp when Richardson did not immediately jump back up. Richardson was diagnosed with a Grade III AC joint sprain. A Grade III AC joint sprain is a complete tear or rupture of both the acromionclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Richardson was ultimately placed on the NFL injured reserve list before surgery was deemed necessary.
Anthony Richardson’s surgery was performed in Los Angeles, CA by renowned orthopedic surgeon Neal S. ElAttrache, MD. Dr. ElAttrache specializes in the treatment and research of knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries and frequently recognized as a top sports medicine specialist, having been identified as one of the “Top 50 Most Powerful people in LA Sports” by the L.A. Daily News and “The 100 most powerful people in MLB” by USA Today.
There are few doctors or surgeons who have national name recognition, but Dr. ElAttrache has emerged as one of those recognizable names. Dr. ElAttrache has been the surgeon of some very high profile clients. Most recently, Dr. ElAttrache performed New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles surgery. He also performed surgery on Kobe Bryant to repair his Achilles injury as well as surgeries on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s torn ACL and MCL and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley’s torn ACL.
Irsay also stated that there is presently no date for Richardson’s return. Individual outcomes and recovery timelines of course vary and full recovery can be achieved in 4 to 6 months. Richardson is a 21 year old, freak of nature athlete so I would expect that his recovery time is much shorter.
