Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will face the Tennessee Titans even if he’s “not 100 percent” while he continues to recover from an oblique injury.
In Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Richardson was knocked out of the game with an oblique injury. Colts backup quarterback Joe Flacco stepped in and led the franchise to a crucial victory, and he impressed in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars a week later.
Flacco completed 33 of 44 passes for 527 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Jacksonville. His high-level performances, paired with Richardson’s inconsistent form so far this season, have led to murmurs that the veteran should be handed the starting role in the meantime.
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However, Colts head coach Shane Steichen declared Richardson will remain the starter – and it seems the sophomore is refusing to let Flacco have any more time in the spotlight. The 22-year-old is seemingly desperate to return and rediscover his best form.
“Just making sure I can do what I do on the field, making sure I’m putting myself in the best position, putting the team in the best position,” Richardson said after practice, in which he was limited. “Try not to force anything, try not to rush anything. If I’m not 100%, I’m not 100% but it is what it is – I’m going to try and be the best version of myself.”
When asked if he could face the Titans in an AFC South showdown without being in full health, Richardson told reporters: “Yeah, for sure. I really just think it’s all up to feel. I’m pretty sure my body is not 100 percent – from Week 1, your body is just going to go down and down and down because it’s taking hits but if I’m feeling good, I’ll go out there.”
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After leading the Browns to the playoffs last season, Joe Flacco has impressed with the Colts in relief of Anthony Richardson’s injury (
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Richardson has struggled so far in 2024, completing 39-of-77 passes for 654 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions. Despite his inconsistent showing, Richardson’s talent and potential means the Colts are happy to continue putting him onto the field to ensure his development continues.
Selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson impressed during his brief rookie campaign before his season ended prematurely due to season-ending shoulder surgery. But he showed enough promise to thrill Colts fans who finally believe the franchise has finally replaced Andrew Luck.
The 2-3 Colts will hope to have Richardson healthy and available to face the 1-3 Titans at Nissan Stadium in a divisional clash on Sunday, Oct. 13.
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