Shane Steichen. Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Colts HC makes clear starting QB after Joe Flacco's big game

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 10, 2024 8:05 AM ET

Joe Flacco has led the Indianapolis Colts to two wins in as many games after starting quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered an injury. That does not mean the team is considering letting him keep the job, however.

Colts coach Shane Steichen was inevitably asked Monday if Flacco might remain the Colts’ starter even after Richardson recovers from the hip injury that kept him out of Week 5. According to Steichen, that is not even a possibility as Richardson remains locked in as the team’s starter moving forward, per Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports

Steichen: Anthony Richardson is our starting quarterback when healthy.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) October 7, 2024

The question is certainly worth asking. The Colts are 1-1 in the last two games with Flacco playing the bulk of them. In Sunday’s 37-34 loss to Jacksonville, Flacco went 33-for-44 for 359 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Richardson has not had a stat line like that all season.

There is no question that Richardson has much more impressive physical gifts, but he is still developing his decision-making. Of course, Richardson is the franchise quarterback and that need for him to gain experience is part of why the Colts do want to stick with him.

Richardson missed the team’s Week 5 loss to Jacksonville, but he at least had a chance of playing up until Saturday. Based on that, he has a decent chance of being cleared for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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