Report: Several Colts players wanted Richardson benched for Flacco

Several Indianapolis Colts players wanted Anthony Richardson benched in favor of Joe Flacco, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

They believe head coach Shane Steichen made the right choice and that Flacco gives the team the best chance to win this season, per Rapoport.

Steichen announced Tuesday that Flacco will start against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football and will be the club's starter going forward.

Flacco has played in three games this season (two starts) and has thrown for 716 yards with seven touchdowns to just one interception. He's completing 65.7% of his passes compared to Richardson's 44.4% completion percentage.

Indianapolis has no plans to give up on Richardson and believes he has a bright future, according to Rapoport. Colts brass met with the 22-year-old this week and referenced some signal-callers, like Alex Smith and Jordan Love, who took time to develop.

Richardson was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is 5-5 as a starter, totaling 1,535 passing yards with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.