NFL Rumors: Colts Players Feel Anthony Richardson Benching for Flacco Is Right Choice

Members of the Indianapolis Colts were supportive of the team's decision to bench quarterback Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"One thing was clear, as several sources pointed out: While players went on the record in support of Richardson, several did so believing that he was not the best answer for their current team," Rapoport reported Sunday.

The NFL insider added that "several sources with knowledge of the thinking of Colts players say they believe this choice was the right one."

Richardson has had a tough start to the season. Through his first six appearances, he threw for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's last among qualified passers in completion percentage (44.4) and has the second-worst QB rating (57.2).

The 2023 first-round pick also drew some criticism when he briefly subbed himself out of Indianapolis 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans.

Rapoport reported Colts head coach Shane Steichen didn't consider that when he chose to demote Richardson. The move was based purely on what helps the team in the short term.

Flacco has undoubtedly performed better than Richardson in his limited action. He has 716 passing yards and seven touchdowns to one interception in four games.

Benching a top-five pick after he played in 10 games inevitably raises some long-term questions for the franchise. Richardson can come back from this and thrive in Indianapolis, but that's no guarantee.

Considering players inside the Indy locker room are behind Flacco, though, sticking with Richardson may have created its own problems for Steichen.