It appears likely the Indianapolis Colts will be without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson on Sunday.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been downgraded to ‘doubtful’ for Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports.
The #Colts downgraded Anthony Richardson to doubtful. Joe Flacco in line to start Sunday vs. Jacksonville.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 5, 2024
Richardson exited the team’s Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with an oblique injury and was limited in practice throughout the week. Veteran backup Joe Flacco stepped in for the Colts’ second-year signal-caller and faired well against a talented Steelers’ defense.
The 39-year-old, who is now very much on track to start Sunday, threw for 168 and two touchdowns in Indianapolis’ 27-24 win over Pittsburgh. The Colts will already be down a handful of starters, including running back Jonathan Taylor (high-ankle sprain), cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip), defensive end Kwity Paye (oblique), amongst others. Center Ryan Kelly (neck), who was listed as questionable, has also been downgraded to ‘doubtful.’ Rookie fourth-round pick Tanor Bortolini is likely to make his second NFL start Sunday.
Richardson’s expected absence is certainly noteworthy, as he has provided the Colts’ offense with more explosive plays, both on the ground and through the air, through the first month of the season. The 22-year-old needs as many reps as possible, so missing Sunday’s road game against the Jaguars is less than ideal.
But this is exactly why GM Chris Ballard and the Colts organization went out and signed Flacco during the offseason. At this stage in his career, the veteran has proven he can still be a more-than-serviceable backup.
The Colts will look to lean on Flacco and a handful of backups to take part in snapping a nine-game losing streak in Jacksonville. We’ll have to see what Sunday brings for Indianapolis, but there’s no doubt that a divisional win would go a long way for them, with a four-game stretch that includes all three divisional opponents coming over the next month.
