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.
