Anthony Richardson's holding out hope that he'll be ready to go by Sunday.
Richardson is questionable for the Indianapolis Colts' Week 5 road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he's unable to go, veteran Joe Flacco would get the starting nod.
Richardson injured his hip during a Week 4 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was optimistic of playing against the Jags, but the Colts could err on the side of caution with their 22-year-old franchise quarterback.
The Colts, however, will be without running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been ruled out due to a sprained ankle also sustained against Pittsburgh.
Coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Indianapolis will employ a "running back by committee" approach versus Jacksonville.
Through four starts this season, Richardson has struggled with his accuracy, having completed just 50.6% of his passes (39 of 477) for 654 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions, which are tied for the most in the league. He's added one TD on the ground.
Regardless of his game-day status, the Colts must be concerned that Richardson, the 2023 NFL Draft's No. 4 overall selection, could miss the 14th game of his burgeoning career out of a possible 22. Richardson, who made his NFL debut against the Jaguars last season, has missed games due to a concussion and a shoulder injury. Should he miss Sunday, he can add a hip injury as another sidelining ailment.
If Flacco starts, he'll do so for his fifth NFL club. The 39-year-old Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, which included winning the Super Bowl XLVIII MVP. Thereafter, he played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, whom he came off the couch to rescue last season, helping the squad to the playoffs and winning AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year for his efforts.
Flacco looked to be in 2023 form in Week 4 for the Colts, coming on in relief of Richardson and throwing for 168 yards and a pair of touchdowns against a staunch Steelers defense.
Whether it's Richardson or Flacco, they will be tasked with doing something no Colts starter has done since Andrew Luck: beat the Jaguars on the road. Indy has lost nine straight road games against the Jaguars (eight in Florida and one in England), since Luck and the Colts won, 44-17, at EverBank Field on Sept. 21, 2014. Flacco was helping the Ravens to a 23-21 win over the Cleveland Browns on that same day.
Either Richardson or Flacco will lead Indy (2-2) into action Sunday against the winless Jags (0-4).
