The Indianapolis Colts have benched Anthony Richardson for their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings, and it does not sound like they will be evaluating the quarterback position on a weekly basis.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen began his press conference on Wednesday by confirming the news that Joe Flacco will start in Week 9. Steichen said Flacco will be the Colts’ starting quarterback “going forward,” which likely means ther is not going to be a weekly QB competition.
“I’ll start off just by confirming that Joe will be our quarterback going forward. Tough decision, but one I thought was in the best interest of our football team,” Steichen said. “I feel that Joe gives us the best chance to win right now. With that said, not giving up on Anthony by any means, really not. He’s a young player with a ton of talent. He’ll use this time to continue to develop and grow as a professional.”
Shane Steichen opening statement: pic.twitter.com/XGbFrKVx7d
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 30, 2024
Barring an injury, it sounds like Flacco will be Indy’s starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
The Colts are 4-4 and still have playoff aspirations. Flacco played in three games earlier this season while Richardson was hurt. The Colts went 1-1 in Flacco’s starts and won the game in which the 39-year-old replaced Richardson. Flacco has 716 passing yards, 7 touchdowns and an interception on the year.
Richardson has made 10 starts across his two NFL seasons. He has completed just 44.4% of his passes this year and 50.2% overall.
The Colts invested a No. 4 overall pick in Richardson, so they will almost certainly given him another shot at some point down the road. For now, Steichen is making the move that he feels gives Indianapolis the best chance to contend this season.
