Report: Colts benching Richardson for Flacco
The Indianapolis Colts are benching quarterback Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler.
Richardson completed 10 of 32 pass attempts for 175 yards, a touchdown, and an interception against the Houston Texans in Week 8. The 31.25% completion rate is the lowest Richardson has posted in an NFL game.
Flacco has appeared in four games (two starts) this campaign. The 39-year-old has 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one pick. He signed a one-year deal with the Colts this offseason after leading the Browns to a 4-1 record in five starts last year.
Richardson has struggled with accuracy and turnovers since being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft. He owns a career completion rate of 50.2% and has eight interceptions against seven touchdown passes. The Florida product has been a threat with his legs, though, rushing for 378 yards and five touchdowns in 10 career games.
The 22-year-old is the second quarterback from the first round of the 2023 draft class to be benched this season, joining Carolina Panthers signal-caller Bryce Young.
Head coach Shane Steichen said Monday that the team was "evaluating everything" after Sunday's loss to the Texans dropped the team to 4-4. Indianapolis sits second in the AFC South behind the 6-2 Texans.
The Colts play the Minnesota Vikings on the road in Week 9.