NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson 'Devastated' by Benching; Colts Not 'Giving Up' on QB

The Indianapolis Colts are "not quitting" on second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson despite benching him for veteran Joe Flacco, ESPN's Stephen Holder reported on Tuesday.

The source explained the rationale behind the decision to Holder, who also relayed Richardson's reaction when told of the benching.

The Colts selected the 22-year-old with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He has completed 59-of-133 passes (44.4 percent) for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions in six starts this season. He's also rushed for 242 yards and one score.

Simply put, it hasn't been a good season for Richardson, who ranks last among 31 qualifiers in passer rating (57.2), per Pro Football Reference. Every other signal-caller is at 70.7 or higher.

Of course, Richardson is only 10 starts into his career. His rookie season, which showed promise, was cut short after four games due to a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. He also made just 13 starts at Florida, so he didn't enter the pros with much experience.

There have naturally been some growing pains for Richardson mixed in with incredible, eye-popping moments, like when he uncorked this dime to Alec Pierce in Week 1.

Matt Waldman of Footballguys also noted there were five drops in Richardson's last start Sunday against the Houston Texans in a 23-20 loss.

There have been some accuracy issues overall. He has completed over 50 percent of his passes in just four of his 10 starts.

Richardson also took himself out for a play against Houston, and that didn't sit well with some observers.

"I was tired," he said, per Holder. "I ain't gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there. I didn't think I was going to be able to go that next play, so I just told [Colts coach] Shane [Steichen] I just needed a break right there."

Center Ryan Kelly provided his thoughts, saying it was not "up to the standard."

At any rate, Richardson is taking a step back, and Flacco is stepping up to help a team still in the playoff mix at 4-4.

The 39-year-old has completed 65.7 percent of his passes (71-of-108) for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception this year.