Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) gives a thumbs up before the snap during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Anthony Richardson out; Joe Flacco to start as Colts QB

Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to ongoing severe back pain, Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday.

“Just didn’t make enough progress this week with the back,” Steichen said of Richardson, who didn’t practice for the second straight week.

Richardson, who missed Week 17’s 45-33 loss to the New York Giants, told reporters Wednesday that he could barely stand up or walk and had to crawl around the house on Dec. 24.

“I’ve been dealing with stuff like this since about eighth grade, but it’s never been this severe,” Richardson said. “It was definitely a little scary last week, not being able to move. But, like I said, I’m standing up now and I’m looking forward to playing this week if I can.”

Veteran Joe Flacco will again take Richardson’s place in Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars. With Richardson out with an oblique injury when the Colts lost 37-34 to the host Jaguars in Week 5, Flacco started and passed for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 26 of 38 for 330 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Giants last Sunday.

In addition to the oblique and back injuries, Richardson, the fourth overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, struggled this season with his accuracy and completed just 47.7 percent of his passes with 12 interceptions. He also threw eight touchdowns, ran for six more and had a 6-5 record as a starter this season.

The loss to the Giants eliminated the Colts from the playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive non-playoff season for Indianapolis.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) gives a thumbs up before the snap during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Colts QB Anthony Richardson (back) hopes to play in finale

Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson said he has been dealing with the most severe back spasms of his life, but he still wants to play Sunday when the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars to end their season.

Richardson, 22, missed practice last week and Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants which eliminated the Colts (7-9) from playoff contention.

“Last week was tough,” Richardson said Wednesday, when he didn’t participate in the team’s walkthrough. “I couldn’t even stand up on Tuesday, could barely even walk. … But I’m here, I’m standing now. If I can do everything in my power to get on the field, I’m going to do so.

“God willing, if I’m able to go out there with my teammates this week, it’s just great to finish off the season with a victory because that’ll just instill some confidence in us going into the offseason,” he continued. “Just find some ways to fine-tune certain things and just get better as players and just get better for the organization.”

Indianapolis selected Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he sustained an injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder in the win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. His season was over after just four games.

This season, Richardson has dealt with injuries and a demotion. He has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.

Joe Flacco started in his place last week, when Richardson was listed on the injury report for back soreness and a foot injury.

Richardson said he doesn’t expect to need surgery.

“I’ve been dealing with stuff like this since about eighth grade, but it’s never been this severe,” he said. “It was definitely a little scary last week, not being able to move. But, like I said, I’m standing up now and I’m looking forward to playing this week if I can.”

While Richardson said he is feeling better, he was estimated not to participate in the walkthrough. Head coach Shane Steichen has not ruled him out against the Jaguars (4-12).

“We’re hopeful,” Steichen said. “He’s working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we’ll see how the week progresses with that.”

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The pass fell incomplete.

Colts rule out QB Anthony Richardson; Joe Flacco to start

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants because of back and foot injuries.

Richardson did not practice during the week, but head coach Shane Steichen had fallen short of declaring his starter out until Saturday.

Veteran Joe Flacco is expected to make his fifth start of the season in Richardson’s place.

As of early Saturday, the Colts (7-8) still have a shot at a playoff berth, but they’d need to beat the Giants (2-13) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) in Week 18 — and for both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers to lose their games on Saturday — to stay alive.

That Indianapolis even remained in the playoff hunt in Week 17 is surprising, given an unspectacular season from Richardson, who was taken by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson, 22, has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.

Richardson’s back and foot injuries are not expected to rule him out of Week 18’s matchup against the visiting Jaguars, according to ESPN sources on Saturday.

Flacco, who turns 40 next month, was 1-3 in four starts earlier this year amid both injury and ineffectiveness for Richardson. Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Two of the losses were to playoff-bound teams — the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

Colts QB Anthony Richardson questionable vs. Giants

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is questionable to start Sunday’s game against the New York Giants because of back and foot injuries.

Richardson did not practice this week, but head coach Shane Steichen fell short of declaring his starter out.

“We’ll see how next 48 hours go,” he told reporters Friday.

If Richardson, 22, is unable to go, veteran Joe Flacco would make his fifth start of the season.

As of Friday, the Colts (7-8) still have a shot at a playoff berth, but they’d need to beat the Giants (2-13) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) in Week 18 — and for both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers to lose their games on Saturday — to stay alive.

That Indianapolis even remained in the playoff hunt in Week 17 is surprising, given an unspectacular season from Richardson, who was taken by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.

Flacco, who turns 40 next month, was 1-3 in four starts earlier this year amid both injury and ineffectiveness for Richardson. Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Two of the losses were to playoff-bound teams — the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) warms up Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson to start vs. Jets, rest of season

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback carousel is turning back to Anthony Richardson.

Two weeks after Shane Steichen told reporters that Joe Flacco will serve as the team’s starting quarterback “going forward,” the head coach reversed course on Wednesday. Steichen tapped Richardson to be under center against the New York Jets on Sunday and for the remainder of the season.

Steichen said that while he talked to owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard, ultimately it was his decision to return Richardson to the starting role.

“We made it very clear to him that he’s our starting quarterback going forward.”

Steichen also said he was pleased with what he saw from Richardson over the last two weeks.

“It’s the attention to detail in everything he does,” Steichen said. “It’s got to be a higher standard. Over the last two weeks, he’s made strides in those areas.”

With Flacco at the controls, the Colts (4-6) saw their losing skid extend to three games following setbacks to the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. The 39-year-old committed six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumbles) in the last two contests.

Flacco was inserted into the starting lineup one week after Richardson completed only 10 of 32 passes (31.3 percent) for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Oct. 27.

During the third quarter of that game, Richardson made the unusual move of taking himself out of the game in the middle of a Colts drive. The 22-year-old later explained that he needed a breather after scrambling on several plays.

Richardson, who missed Weeks 5 and 6 with an oblique injury, has completed only 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions in six games this season.

Drafted No. 4 overall in 2023 out of Florida, Richardson’s rookie season ended after just four games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes this season for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Flacco is 104-85 as an NFL starter with the Baltimore Ravens (2008-18), Denver Broncos (2019), New York Jets (2020-22), Cleveland Browns (2023) and Colts. He has thrown for 45,103 yards with 254 TDs and 160 INTs. He was the MVP of Baltimore’s 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) gets in position against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024.

Colts coach: QB Joe Flacco is team’s starting QB ‘going forward’

Indianapolis Colts veteran Joe Flacco will serve as the team’s starting quarterback “going forward,” head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday.

Steichen noted that it’s not just a one-week switch from former first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson to the 39-year-old Flacco.

The Colts (4-4) had won four of their previous five games before dropping a 23-20 decision to the AFC South-leading Houston Texans (6-2) on Sunday.

“I’m just looking where we’re at as a football team, sitting at .500 with a lot of football left,” Steichen said, “and feel that Joe gives us the best chance going forward.”

Flacco will be under center for Indianapolis’ game on Sunday night versus the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) in Minneapolis. Richardson will serve as Flacco’s backup, Steichen said.

Richardson completed only 10 of 32 passes (31.3 percent) for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception last Sunday against the Texans.

During the third quarter, Richardson made the unusual move of taking himself out of the game in the middle of a Colts drive. He later explained that he needed a breather after scrambling on several plays.

“Tired, I ain’t gonna lie,” said Richardson, 22. “That was a lot of running right there that I did. … So, I just told Shane that I needed a break right there.”

Richardson, who missed Weeks 5 and 6 with an oblique injury, has completed just 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions in six games this season.

Drafted No. 4 overall in 2023 out of Florida, Richardson’s rookie season ended after just four games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

“Not giving up on Anthony by any means,” Steichen said. “He’s a really young player with a ton of talent. He’ll use this time to continue to develop and grow as a professional.”

Flacco was 1-1 in two starts earlier this month against Jacksonville and Tennessee. He has completed 65.7 percent of his passes this season for 716 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception.

Flacco is 104-83 as an NFL starter with the Baltimore Ravens (2008-18), Denver Broncos (2019), New York Jets (2020-22), Cleveland Browns (2023) and Colts. He has thrown for 44,652 yards with 252 TDs and 156 INTs. He was the MVP of Baltimore’s 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) stands on the field after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Colts ‘evaluating’ Anthony Richardson’s status as QB1

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen was non-committal when asked if quarterback Anthony Richardson will start in Week 9.

“We’re evaluating everything,” Steichen said Monday as the Colts (4-4) began preparations for Sunday night’s road game against the Minnesota Vikings (5-2).

Richardson completed only 10 of 32 passes (31.3 percent) for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the host Houston Texans.

During the third quarter, Richardson made the unusual move of taking himself out of the game in the middle of a Colts drive. He later explained that he needed a breather after scrambling on several plays.

“Tired, I ain’t gonna lie,” said Richardson, 22. “That was a lot of running right there that I did. … So, I just told Shane that I needed a break right there.”

Richardson, who missed Weeks 5 and 6 with an oblique injury, has completed just 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions in six games this season.

Drafted No. 4 overall in 2023 out of Florida, Richardson’s rookie season ended after just four games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Backup quarterback Joe Flacco could see more action if Steichen makes a change. The 39-year-old veteran was 1-1 in two starts earlier this month against Jacksonville and Tennessee.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Colts’ Anthony Richardson to start vs. Dolphins; Jonathan Taylor out

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will return from a two-game absence to start Sunday’s game against the visiting Miami Dolphins, head coach Shane Steichen said Friday.

Richardson has been sidelined since sustaining an oblique injury in Indianapolis’ 24-27 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29. Veteran Joe Flacco has started in his place, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns in the Colts’ 37-34 setback to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 6 and 189 yards and two scores in a 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday.

“He looked good,” Steichen said of Richardson, who has been a full participant in practice this week. “He was throwing crisp passes, he was right in the pocket, got out, moved him around, ran a lot. So, he looked really good.”

While Richardson is ready to return for the Colts (3-3), the same cannot be said for Jonathan Taylor. The star running back will sit out for the third consecutive game due to an ankle injury.

Trey Sermon has struggled to get untracked in Taylor’s place. He rushed for 38 yards on 10 carries versus the Jaguars and 29 yards on 18 rushes against the Titans.

Taylor leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). Richardson is second in rushing yards (141).

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Colts plan on starting QB Anthony Richardson vs. Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is expected to play Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins after missing two games because of an oblique injury.

“Unless there’s a setback, I think he’ll be ready to go,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said Monday.

Richardson was injured on Sept. 29 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with veteran Joe Flacco coming off the bench in the 27-24 home victory. Flacco started in a 37-34 loss at Jacksonville and in Sunday’s 20-17 win at Tennessee.

The Colts made Richardson inactive for both games, and he was designated as the emergency quarterback on Sunday. Richardson was limited in practices last Wednesday and Friday and was a full participant on Thursday.

“(We) wanted to make sure he’s 100 percent,” Steichen said Monday. “That’s what really went into the decision. He’s really close — really close, which is why we had him as our third emergency quarterback. But he should be looking really good this week.”

Richardson, 22, started the first four games this season and is 39 of 77 (50.6 percent) for 654 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions. He also has 21 rushing attempts for 141 yards and a TD.

The Colts selected Richardson with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. He started four games and was 50 of 84 (59.5 percent) for 577 yards, three TDs and one pick, adding 136 rushing yards and four TDs before sustaining a season-ending injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder in Week 5 last season.

“It’s a long season and we’re six games into this thing, and we want to have him for the long haul,” Steichen said.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks off the field Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, after a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Taylor did not play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 6, 2024 due to an ankle injury.

Colts’ Jonathan Taylor out, Anthony Richardson questionable vs. Titans

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the host Tennessee Titans, head coach Shane Steichen announced Friday.

Taylor will miss his second consecutive contest after sustaining an ankle injury in the Colts’ 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29.

Steichen, however, noted quarterback Anthony Richardson will be listed as questionable and serve as a game-time decision against the Titans (1-3). Richardson is working his way back from an oblique injury he sustained in the game against the Steelers.

Veteran Joe Flacco would receive his second straight start should Richardson be unable to play against Tennessee. Flacco completed 33 of 44 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns in Indianapolis’ 37-34 setback to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday.

The Colts (2-3) also did not rule out Michael Pittman Jr. despite multiple reports noting that the wide receiver would miss several weeks with a back injury. Pittman was spotted taking reps along with his teammates during Friday’s practice.

Pittman, 27, has led Indianapolis in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in each of the last three seasons. He has a club-best 22 catches for 238 yards and a touchdown through five games this season after signing a three-year, $70 million extension in March.

Taylor, 25, leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). Richardson is second on the team in carries (21) and rushing yards (141).

–Field Level Media