Demoted Colts 2nd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson could still see limited opportunities behind center this year.
According to head coach Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts demoted 2nd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson could still be utilized situationally with the first-team offense—particularly in short-yardage and along the goal line (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):
I asked #Colts HC Shane Steichen if backup QB Anthony Richardson could still be used in running/short-yardage situations:
A grinning Steichen: “That’s a great question. I won’t get into that, but he’s very talented, yes.” pic.twitter.com/9uvSU88140
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 1, 2024
Honestly, it makes sense.
With Richardson’s size, speed, and rushing ability, it makes him very difficult to stop in short yardage and would provide them a big upgrade regarding QB sneaks and when trying to punch it in near the goal line—compared to fairly immobile longtime veteran Joe Flacco.
Richardson provides some mismatch potential down near the goal line, with his ability to run the RPO game, bootlegs, and regarding potential play-action opportunities.
In that regard, he could be like another former Florida Gator standout, the infamous Tim Tebow, who collegiately was a featured weapon along the goal line—and if I recall, used situationally in such a fashion during 2006 as a freshman backup quarterback.
Should Richardson play well in limited opportunities, perhaps it at least opens the conversation again about whether he should be renamed the starter—particularly if new interim starter Joe Flacco should play poorly down the season’s stretch run.
At any rate, it’s at least an opportunity for Richardson to get back on the field behind center and add positive value again to the team’s chances of winning on Sundays.
