Anthony Richardson being reinstated as the Colts’ starting quarterback after being benched for two games was not how the franchise drew it up.
The 22-year-old quarterback, who was benched after a brutal outing against the Texans on Oct. 27 in which he admitted he briefly left the field because he was “tired,” was supposed to be benched for the rest of the season when the team turned to 39-year-old Joe Flacco under center, Jay Glazer reported on “Fox NFL Sunday.”
But the Colts lost both of Flacco’s starts in each of the last two weeks, with Flacco throwing four interceptions and losing two fumbles during that span.
So, despite saying they would stick with Flacco, the Colts made an abrupt switch back to Richardson at the start of the practice week ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The decision to start Richardson again was head coach Shane Steichen’s and did not involve owner Jim Irsay, according to Glazer, who also reported the Colts told inquiring teams before the trade deadline that Richardson was “absolutely not” available.
Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, started four games as a rookie before a shoulder injury ended his season.
In six starts this season entering Sunday, Richardson was 59-for-133 (44.4 percent) with 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions, along with 242 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown.
“Classrooms, the walkthroughs, the practice, the weight room all those little things just gotta be at a higher standard,” Steichen told reporters Wednesday of Richardson. “That’s what was talked about and that’s where we went with it.
“That was discussed with him two weeks ago and those were the conversations that took place and over the last two weeks he’s made strides in those areas, big-time strides. Becoming a pro’s pro.”
The Colts (4-6) began the day two games behind the AFC South-leading Texans and one game behind the Broncos for the final AFC wild-card spot.
