Anthony Richardson out; Joe Flacco to start as Colts QB

Field Level Media|published: Fri 3rd January, 15:07 2025

Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) gives a thumbs up before the snap during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to ongoing severe back pain, Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday.

"Just didn't make enough progress this week with the back," Steichen said of Richardson, who didn't practice for the second straight week.

Richardson, who missed Week 17's 45-33 loss to the New York Giants, told reporters Wednesday that he could barely stand up or walk and had to crawl around the house on Dec. 24.

"I've been dealing with stuff like this since about eighth grade, but it's never been this severe," Richardson said. "It was definitely a little scary last week, not being able to move. But, like I said, I'm standing up now and I'm looking forward to playing this week if I can."

Veteran Joe Flacco will again take Richardson's place in Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars. With Richardson out with an oblique injury when the Colts lost 37-34 to the host Jaguars in Week 5, Flacco started and passed for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 26 of 38 for 330 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Giants last Sunday.

In addition to the oblique and back injuries, Richardson, the fourth overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, struggled this season with his accuracy and completed just 47.7 percent of his passes with 12 interceptions. He also threw eight touchdowns, ran for six more and had a 6-5 record as a starter this season.

The loss to the Giants eliminated the Colts from the playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive non-playoff season for Indianapolis.

--Field Level Media

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