Longtime NFL veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will reportedly get another start for the Colts in relief of Anthony Richardson against a consecutive AFC South rival.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will start again in place of still injured 2nd-year starting quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) on the road against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday:
Anthony Richardson wasn’t 100% healthy. And so Joe Flacco goes again. https://t.co/NiNmr5njYk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2024
While Richardson practiced all this week—albeit Wednesday and Friday on a limited basis and reportedly “was on track to play” this Sunday, the Colts are being cautious with their franchise quarterback hopeful—as it appears he’s not quite 100% out there yet.
Coincidentally, Richardson injured his since season-ending surgically repaired right throwing shoulder during Week 5 of last year at home against the Titans, so the Colts not taking any chances here makes sense—especially if Richardson began his pregame workout routine on Sunday morning and didn’t feel quite fully comfortable out there physically.
Longtime veteran backup Flacco, who’s a former Super Bowl winning MVP, started well in relief of Richardson last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, in ultimately a losing effort. Flacco completed 33 of 44 pass attempts (75%) for 359 total passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on the road against the then winless Jaguars.
While Flacco obviously doesn’t offer any of the mobility that Richardson features in the pocket—who has the special ability to extend plays outside of it and run with the football, the still very strong armed veteran gunslinger is arguably further along as a passer given where they are in their respective NFL careers. It’s a fair question of whether Flacco, even at age 39-years-old, provides the Colts a better chance to win right now in the short-term given his consistency, decisiveness, and command of the Indy passing game.
That being said, the long-term success of the Colts franchise ultimately rests with Richardson, who could use the snaps and reps, given his still limited experience as a starting quarterback collectively. It’s another missed opportunity for Richardson to gain those for his continued growth and development—against a very beatable Titans team right now.
