NFL Rumors: Colts Didn't Want to Start Anthony Richardson and Bench Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco's poor performance prompted the Indianapolis Colts to reverse course and make Anthony Richardson their starting quarterback again, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

Glazer reported Sunday the Colts "did not want to do this" in reference to benching Flacco:

That echoes reporting from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport from earlier in the day.

"While the original plan was for Flacco to start the rest of the year, the Colts never planned to give up on Richardson," he said. "... The Colts believed Flacco would play well and they would challenge for a playoff spot, and Richardson would learn behind the scenes. Instead, Indy went 0-2 to drop to 4-6 on the season as Flacco turned the ball over too much, and it was back to Richardson."

Flacco played a pivotal role in the Cleveland Browns securing a wild-card berth in 2023. He threw for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions over a five-game stretch.

The 39-year-old's initial returns this season pointed to perhaps another revival. He had 548 passing yards and five touchdowns to one interception across two starts while filling in for an injured Richardson.

Instead, Flacco had four interceptions and lost two fumbles as the Colts suffered back-to-back defeats following Richardson's benching.

If Indianapolis (4-6) is going to miss the playoffs, then it makes sense to lean on Richardson and let him continue developing on the field.

The brief demotion appears to have sent a message to the second-year signal-caller, one he heard loud and clear.

ESPN's Stephen Holder reported Friday that Richardson began arriving at the team facility earlier after he was benched, for example. That allowed him to have additional time in the film room with Colts coaches.

Rapoport offered more context.

"The team's brass and coaching staff believe they have Richardson's attention when it comes to preparing off the field and in meetings," he wrote. "Essentially, Richardson needed to embrace how intense it had to be."

Richardson's performance will be the ultimate barometer for his suitability as the long-term solution at quarterback.

Should he finish out 2024 strongly, the 22-year-old's benching will be forgotten for the most part and he'll head into 2025 with a firm grip on the starting job. In the event his performance fails to improve, on the other hand, Indianapolis could have a serious dilemma.