Is there a quarterback change looming in Indianapolis?
Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Monday that the team is "evaluating everything" when asked if Anthony Richardson will start against the Vikings on Nov. 3.
Richardson is coming off another poor passing performance which amounted to a 23-20 loss to the Texans on Sunday. He completed 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards with one touchdown and a crucial interception that set up Houston in scoring position.
In addition to his passing struggles, Richardson made headlines on Sunday when he took himself for out in the third quarter for one play, explaining after the game that he was "tired."
Steichen addressed that sequence with reporters on Monday.
"We had a conversation about it this morning in the quarterback room, which I'll keep private," Steichen said, per WISH-TV. "But obviously in those situations he knows on those types of deals, you can't take yourself out."
Veteran Colts center Ryan Kelly also told reporters on Monday that he spoke with Richardson on the matter.
"I think he knows that's not the standard that he needs to play up to and the rest of the team holds him to," Kelly said. "I'll leave the conversation that we had at that. I'm sure he's going to take some criticism for that, and rightfully so, right? That's a tough look, but he's also out there giving it all for his team. ...
"If anybody ever questions how hard he plays, that's not the case. If you watch his film, surly we didn't move the ball effectively at times, but he's giving everything for his teammates. He's young. I'm sure it's a learning moment for him, and I'll leave it at that."
On the season, Richardson owns a league-worst 44.4% completion percentage and he's tied third in the NFL with seven interceptions in six starts. The Colts QB's two lost fumbles in 2024 also ties him third in the league in giveaways. Richardson has made plays with his feet, totaling 136 rushing yards and four TDs, but his inaccuracy issues, particularly on short throws, have stagnated a Colts offense that features capable playmakers.
Joe Flacco, who started two games (1-1) this season when Richardson was out due to injury, is the would-be starter should Steichen decide to bench the former No. 4 overall pick.
Steichen's offense has been noticeably smoother with Flacco under center. The 39-year-old veteran has completed 65.7% of his passes for 716 yards with seven TDs and one INT in two starts and four total appearances in 2024.
Compared to Richardson's season totals -- 958 yards, four TDs, seven INTs (six starts) -- there's no wonder why Steichen is chewing on a potential QB change at the midway point.
Sitting at 4-4, the Colts enter a tough four-game stretch that begins with a road game in Minnesota (5-2) this Sunday, followed by home game against the Bills (6-2), at the New York Jets (2-6) and a home tilt versus the Lions (6-1).
Who will be leading the Colts offense into a potentially season-defining stretch will likely be made by the end of the week.
