Colts Bench No. 4 Pick Anthony Richardson After Struggles; Joe Flacco to Start vs. Vikings

Oct 29, 2024, 05:38 PM

The Indianapolis Colts have decided to bench rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and start veteran Joe Flacco in their upcoming Sunday night game against the Minnesota Vikings. The decision was made after the Colts coaching staff met and reflects a shift towards focusing on immediate playoff contention—the team is currently the 8th seed in the AFC, with first place in the AFC South at stake. Richardson has struggled in recent games, completing only 10 of his 32 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Colts' 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans. His season completion rate stands at 44.4%, and he has not completed more than 50% of his passes in any game he's finished. In a recent first half, he completed just 2 of 15 passes with a completion percentage of 13%, the lowest for a Colts quarterback since 1991, and had a passer rating of 44.0. Joe Flacco, who has performed well when on the field this season, completing 71 of 108 passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception, will take over as the starter. Coach Shane Steichen had foreshadowed the move, declining to commit to Richardson previously.