Anthony Richardson has demonstrated over the past two weeks off the field that he’s ready to be the starting quarterback again for the Indianapolis Colts. Two hard losses may have reinforced this decision for the Colts’ leadership. Either way, Richardson is back in the starting role.
On Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen announced that the 22-year-old Richardson would return as the starting quarterback, replacing the 39-year-old Joe Flacco.
“He’s going to be our starter again for the rest of the season, and we’re moving forward with that,” Steichen said. “I informed Joe yesterday. He’s a true professional and respects the decision.”
Steichen had initially opted for Flacco, believing he provided the Colts (4-6) with the best short-term chance of winning. However, Flacco turned the ball over six times during two losses, with the offense struggling to score and maintain possession, causing the Colts to lose ground in the AFC playoff race.
Now, the Colts are shifting back to Richardson as their franchise quarterback. What changed? It seems Richardson’s commitment to improvement has been the deciding factor.
“It was about working on certain areas and seeing growth, and he’s made great strides,” Steichen explained. “There was no strict timetable, but we weren’t going to give up on Anthony.”
For Richardson, this is another chapter in his already interrupted career. Drafted fourth overall in 2023, the former Florida star earned the starting role quickly, only for his rookie season to be cut short due to a shoulder injury after just four games. This season, Richardson played the first four games, missed two with a hip injury, and then started two more before being benched.
Now, the league’s youngest quarterback will return to face the New York Jets on Sunday, where he’ll go up against veteran Aaron Rodgers, the NFL’s oldest active quarterback.
“I just wanted to show I’m committed to being a pro and will do whatever it takes for the team,” Richardson said. “These past two weeks have been eye-opening, letting me reflect and see what I’m made of. I’m grateful to have the job back.”
Flacco, who won last season’s AP Comeback Player of the Year, was 1-3 as a starter with the Colts, winning two of the five games he played. The decision to bench him came as a surprise, as Steichen had indicated on Monday, following Flacco’s three-interception performance against Buffalo, that Flacco would likely remain the starter. But by the next day, Steichen had informed Flacco of the decision.
“Shane and I had a private conversation, and I’m going to leave it at that,” Flacco said. “Every time you play, you’re being evaluated, and I’m disappointed with how the last two weeks went.”
Richardson, who completed just 44.4% of his passes in his first six games this season with seven interceptions and four touchdowns, believes the extra effort over the last two weeks has helped him establish better habits that he hopes will improve his game.
If these efforts pay off, the Colts might finally see if Richardson can be their long-term answer at quarterback, ending their search that began with Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019.
“There’s still room for improvement, but I’m working on consistency,” Richardson said. “These past weeks, I’ve focused on sacrifice and stepping up when teammates need me. They’re putting in the effort, so I need to match it.”
