NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson's Colts Benching Had 'Nothing to Do with' Tired Remark

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen's decision to bench quarterback Anthony Richardson is reportedly not related to the young signal-caller asking to come out of the game for one play during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans.

Speaking Wednesday on Get Up, ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin explained Steichen's rationale behind the move at quarterback:

"I'm told the decision had nothing to do with his comments about being tired and having to tap himself out of the game. The reality of the situation is he hasn't been playing well this season. This is the problem in the NFL, where you've got to develop rookie quarterbacks, or young quarterbacks, but also win. And the Colts right now, based on that division, based on the talent they have, based on the fact they have [Joe] Flacco, they feel like, hey, let's start the veteran, but we're not giving up on Richardson."

Richardson made headlines after Sunday's contest when he explained why he asked to come out of the game at one point during the third quarter, telling reporters: "I was tired. 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 Shane I just needed a break right there."

Flacco came in one for one play and handed the ball off, which led to a field goal attempt. Richardson was back in the game for the Colts' next offensive possession.

However, when the Colts face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 9, Flacco will get the start over Richardson, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Adam Schefter (h/t ESPN's Stephen Holder).

When the Colts used the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to take Richardson, it was a controversial decision since he had limited collegiate starting experience at Florida.

However, Richardson's tools were undeniable, as he was mobile with a huge arm and had ideal size at 6'4" and 244 pounds.

Richardson missed all but three games as a rookie due to a shoulder injury, but he showed flashes of brilliance when healthy, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for 136 yards and four scores.

He entered the 2024 campaign with huge expectations hanging above him, and it is fair to say he has not lived up to them.

In his six starts this season, Richardson is 3-3, but he is completing a mere 44.4 percent of his passing attempts for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven picks. He has rushed for 242 yards and one score as well.

Against Houston, Richardson went just 10-of-32 for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception, plus he was sacked five times. It marked the second consecutive game that saw Richardson complete 42 percent or less of his passes.

Flacco, 39, started two games in place of Richardson this season due to injury, going 1-1. Overall, he has been far more effective in his four appearances, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception.

While Flacco is best known for his 11-year run with the Baltimore Ravens that saw him win a Super Bowl title and a Super Bowl MVP Award, he has largely been a journeyman backup in recent years.

Flacco caught lightning in a bottle last season with the Cleveland Browns, though, starting five games in place of the injured Deshaun Watson and going 4-1, while throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight picks.

He proved that he is still more than capable of operating a quality NFL offense, and that has carried over to this season as well, which likely contributed to Steichen's decision.

The Colts have several talented skill-position players on offense, including running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell.

They have struggled to post the type of production they are accustomed to with Richardson in the lineup, but Flacco has utilized them more consistently and will look to continue doing so in the starting role.

As for Richardson, he is still only 22 years of age, which suggests there should be more opportunities in his future, particularly if he is able to learn and grow from the situation.