The Indianapolis Colts head into Week 9 with a 4-4 record, sitting second in the AFC South. They recently suffered a close 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans after two consecutive wins, though they didn’t score over 20 points in either of those games.
Following their win over the Texans, questions began circulating about Anthony Richardson’s role as the starting quarterback. In the loss, Richardson completed just 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and in the game prior against the Dolphins, he only managed 129 yards without any touchdowns.
Colts team source on Richardson's demotion:
"We are not quitting on Anthony. That will be the story but that is not the case."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 29, 2024
On Tuesday, the Colts announced that veteran Joe Flacco would start, with Richardson heading to the bench, raising concerns about the young quarterback’s future with the team.
However, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, a Colts team source clarified the decision, stating, “We are not quitting on Anthony. That will be the story but that is not the case.”
As a rookie in 2023, Richardson played only four games, logging three passing touchdowns and four rushing scores. Entering the 2024 season, he was Indianapolis’s undisputed starter, but his performance over six games includes just 958 passing yards, four touchdowns, seven interceptions, and two lost fumbles. He also requested to be subbed out in the recent Texans game, which raised additional questions.
Holder further reported that the Colts’ intention is for Richardson to take a step back to ease some pressure and focus on development, though the young quarterback was reportedly “devastated” by the decision.
And, if you're wondering, I was told Richardson was pretty devastated by the news, as you'd expect. But he'll be a pro. No one is concerned about that part.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 29, 2024
Flacco, who filled in for Richardson during an earlier oblique injury, has played three games this season, including two starts, where he threw for five touchdowns and one interception, despite one of the outings being a tough loss to the Jaguars.
For now, the Colts are placing their trust in Flacco, who will start against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, though they maintain their confidence in Richardson’s future.
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