Colts Lose to Ravens 24-16 as Richardson Injures, Exits Early/ Newslooks/ 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.
Colts vs Ravens Preseason: Quick Looks
- Anthony Richardson leaves in second drive with dislocated pinky finger
- Ravens win 24-16 despite only 59 total passing yards
- Rookie LaJohntay Wester scores on 87-yard punt return
- Tyler Loop nails 52-yard field goal in fourth quarter
- Rasheen Ali adds 69-yard kickoff return and 2-yard TD
- Colts QBs Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard combine for one interception
- Keaton Mitchell scores 22-yard rushing touchdown for Baltimore
- Spencer Shrader hits three field goals for Indianapolis
- Ravens DB Bilhal Kone suffers season-ending knee injury
- Both teams rest key offensive starters, including Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry
Colts Lose to Ravens 24-16 as Richardson Injures, Exits Early
Deep Look
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.
Special Teams Spark Baltimore
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.
“Obviously, what LaJohntay did was awesome,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “You see Rasheen hit that kick return — that was big field position for us.”
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.
Colts’ Quarterback Shuffle
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.
“I made some plays on my feet, but I can’t rely on that,” Leonard said. “In the NFL, you have to go through your reads and trust your guys.”
Jones echoed the frustration: “Some good, some bad. We moved the ball well at times, but couldn’t finish in the red zone.”
Ravens’ Offense Still a Work in Progress
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.
Kicking Updates
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.
Key Injury
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.
Up Next
The Ravens will travel to face the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 16, while the Colts will host the Green Bay Packers that same day as preseason action continues.
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