NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson's Colts Benching 'Definitely Got His Attention'

A two-week benching reportedly may have been the wakeup call Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson needed to get back on track.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, a source close to Richardson said the decision to bench him "definitely got his attention." The source added: "I do think he'll come out better for this. He knows how he responds is what's really important."

After Colts head coach Shane Steichen sat Richardson for two games in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, it was announced that the second-year signal-caller will be back under center Sunday when the Colts face the New York Jets on the road.

After Indy selected Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he showed flashes of brilliance in four starts as a rookie, but a shoulder injury cut his season short.

In six starts so far this season, Richardson has completed only 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions, while rushing for 242 yards and one score.

The game that led to his benching was a 23-20 road loss to the Houston Texans during which Richardson went just 10-for-32 as a passer.

Richardson raised some eyebrows during the contest when he appeared to remove himself from the game prior to a third down. Per ESPN's Stephen Holder, Richardson admitted afterward that he needed a breather, saying: "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."

Steichen told reporters that Richardson pulling himself from the game momentarily would not impact any of his personnel decisions, but two days after the loss to Houston, he named Flacco the new starter.

The switch to Flacco did not provide the Colts with a spark, though, as they went 0-2, prompting Steichen to turn back to Richardson.

A source close to Richardson told Fowler that Colts players publicly supported the move back to Richardson this week since the young quarterback is a hard worker.

Steichen noted that "attention to detail" has been one of Richardson's biggest issues, but he indicated that Richardson has made strides in that area.

The Colts are still in the AFC playoff hunt, but they need to string some wins together in order to truly have a shot at the postseason.

It could start Sunday against a Jets team that is 3-7 and has performed well below expectations this season.