Indianapolis Colts name Anthony Richardson starting QB over Joe Flacco

The Indianapolis Colts are once again making a change at quarterback, returning sophomore signal-caller Anthony Richardson to the top spot on their depth chart over veteran Joe Flacco.

“Colts have gone back to Anthony Richardson as the starting quarterback,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X.

Over the past two weeks, Richardson has sat while the Colts lost to the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. While the former first-round quarterback has flashed at times on the field, he drew the ire of fans and analysts alike by taking himself out of a game against the Houston Texans earlier this season due to fatigue.

Perhaps he’s learned his lesson. Additionally, it’s not like Flacco was lighting the world on fire, and with the Colts not exactly at the forefront of the AFC playoff picture, they might as well see if Richardson can be ignited over the rest of the 2024 campaign.

His play has been a mixed bag throughout the season. During his previous against the Texans, which ended up being a 23-20 loss, Richardson went 10 of 32 passing for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 45 yards.

Meanwhile, Flacco has passed for 1,167 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions in 2024, but he doesn’t bring the threat of being a dual-threat quarterback to the table. That’s something that can be invaluable to the Colts’ offense, and a much needed game-changer when facing stiff competition.

The schedule lightens up a bit for Indianapolis over the next couple of weeks, at least. Richardson will face the New York Jets this weekend, before a tough Detroit Lions team. Afterwards though, dates with the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants are on the horizon.

As you can tell, it’s put up or shut up time for the quarterback. Anthony Richardson is getting another opportunity in Indianapolis, and he needs to make the most of it in 2024.