The Indianapolis Colts have made a quarterback switch heading into Week 9, but apparently that information was not communicated to the team before it leaked publicly.
Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. told reporters on Wednesday that he found out through social media that the team has decided to bench Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco.
#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. said he found out about the QB change through social media.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 30, 2024
Teams usually try to inform players of a major decision like a quarterback change prior to the news getting out. Based on what Pittman said, it sounds like Colts head coach Shane Steichen chose not to hold a team meeting about making the change from Richardson to Flacco.
For what it’s worth, Richardson also claimed Steichen did not give the former No. 4 overall pick much of an explanation for the benching.
#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. said he found out about the QB change through social media.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 30, 2024
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. It is not exactly a mystery why the 4-4 Colts have decided to bench him, especially with Flacco having 716 passing yards, 7 touchdowns and an interception on the year in limited time.
If anything, Pittman’s revelation might point to a communication issue with the Colts. That could reflect poorly on Steichen if the head coach finds himself on the hot seat down the stretch.
