Colts Lose to Ravens 24-16 as Richardson Injures, Exits Early/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener ended in a 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, overshadowed by quarterback Anthony Richardson’s early injury. Baltimore’s struggling passing game was buoyed by explosive special teams plays, including an 87-yard punt return by rookie LaJohntay Wester. Colts backups Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard struggled to find the end zone, while Baltimore relied on field position and big returns for the win.
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens’ passing attack sputtered without Lamar Jackson on Thursday night, but dynamic special teams plays fueled a 24-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener.
The night’s biggest storyline came early, when Colts starting quarterback Anthony Richardson exited during the team’s second drive with a dislocated pinky finger on his throwing hand. Richardson was hurt on a sack by Baltimore’s David Ojabo and did not return, finishing 2-of-3 for 21 yards.
With both offenses struggling, Baltimore’s special teams took over. Rookie LaJohntay Wester electrified the crowd with an 87-yard punt return touchdown in the first half, giving the Ravens a two-score cushion. Fellow rookie Tyler Loop added a booming 52-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Rasheen Ali also provided a 69-yard kickoff return late in the second quarter, setting up his own 2-yard touchdown run that made it 21-9 at halftime.
Following Richardson’s injury, Daniel Jones took over for the remainder of the first half, completing 10-of-21 passes for 144 yards. Rookie Riley Leonard entered after halftime, going 12-of-24 for 92 yards with an interception. Leonard, fresh off leading Notre Dame to last season’s national title game, acknowledged the learning curve.
Cooper Rush started at quarterback for Baltimore, throwing for 16 yards with an interception. Devin Leary relieved him, adding 43 passing yards and another interception. “We’d like to pass for more than 59 yards. I assure you,” Harbaugh said with a wry smile.
With Derrick Henry also sitting out, Keaton Mitchell handled much of the rushing load. The second-year back ripped off a 23-yard run before scoring from 22 yards to put Baltimore ahead 7-3 in the first quarter.
Colts kicker Spencer Shrader converted three field goals but missed a 52-yard attempt in the second quarter, striking the left upright. Backup Maddux Trujillo made his lone extra point attempt in the second half.
Loop, who is competing to replace veteran Justin Tucker, missed a 46-yarder early but rebounded with his clutch 52-yard make in the final period.
Baltimore defensive back Bilhal Kone was carted off in the first quarter with a severe knee injury that is expected to sideline him for the entire season.
The Ravens will travel to face the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 16while the Colts will host the Green Bay Packers that same day as preseason action continues.
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