Anthony Richardson Had 45-Minute Talk with Colts' HC, GM to Discuss Benching as QB1

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen should now be on the same page.

Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reported that Steichen, Colts general manager Chris Ballard and Richardson sat down for 45 minutes to discuss the decision to bench the 22-year-old for the team's Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Richardson notably exited for a play during the team's Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans and said that he came out because he was "tired." Joe Flacco will start in Richardson's place in Week 9.

The Week 8 loss to the Texans was a rough one for Richardson, who went 10-of-32 for 175 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He added six carries for 45 yards in the rushing attack.

He has thrown for 958 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024 and has struggled to take the next step towards becoming a franchise quarterback. The Colts are 4-4 on the season and have notably operated more efficiently with Flacco under center.

Flacco has thrown for 716 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception in four games and two starts in 2024. He is the reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year winner and was already considered to be one of the best backups in the league.

As the team prepares for Flacco to control the offense against Minnesota, Steichen and Ballard will hope Richardson can learn from the experience and show improvement when he eventually retakes the job.