Colts' Steichen: Anthony Richardson Could Play vs. Giants Despite Foot, Back Injuries

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen isn't ready to rule Anthony Richardson out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants despite his absence from this week's practice with back and foot injuries.

"He was just sore all week," Steichen said on Friday, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.

Richardson appeared to sit out a third straight practice on Friday.

Holder reported on Thursday that the Colts were "optimistic about Richardson playing on Sunday," but that his "performance in Friday's practice would be critical."

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will receive his fifth start of the season if Richardson is unable to return.

Flacco previously started two games when Richardson was sidelined by injury, and earned another pair of starts when the second-year signal caller was benched for Weeks 9 and 10.

The Colts lost two straight games as Flacco struggled with interceptions over that stretch, leading to Richardson being reinstated as QB1 ahead of Week 11.

Richardson has made five straight starts since then, most recently playing a full game last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Holder reported that Richardson "admitted to some soreness" on Tuesday ahead of his first missed practice on Wednesday.

Richardson has struggled with injuries throughout his two seasons in the NFL. After appearing in just four games of his rookie campaign amid a concussion and a shoulder injury, he missed time earlier this season with an oblique injury.

The Colts could be eliminated from playoff contention before the game against the Giants if the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos win on Saturday (h/t NFL Playoff Scenarios.)

Even if Sunday's game against the Giants has no playoff implications for either team, the contest could help the Colts make a decision regarding their quarterback room next season.

After recording a strong outing against the New York Jets in his return from being benched, Richardson has struggled with pass accuracy over the Colts' last four games, with Indianapolis leaning on Jonathan Taylor in the run game to claim last weekend's victory over the Titans.

The Colts could be hoping to see if he can make any improvements over the last two games of the season before deciding which direction to take under center in 2025.