Anthony Richardson left briefly against the Texans because he was “tired, not going to lie.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson briefly missed out in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans. Although his reasons for leaving were unknown at the time, Richardson said in his post-match media conference that he was “tired”.

“Tired, that’s not going to lie,” Richardson said. “That was a lot of running I did and I didn't think I would make it the next game. So I just said it.” [head coach Shane Steichen] I needed a break right there.

Just before leaving the field, Richardson fell awkwardly during a third-quarter scramble and was sacked by linebacker Jake Hansen. He then knelt and tapped his helmet, indicating that it needed to be replaced.

Backup quarterback Joe Flacco took Richardson's place and took a third-down snap in the third quarter. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, the drive resulted in a 37-yard field goal by kicker Matt Gay.

Richardson had a dismal first half against the Texans, completing just two of 15 pass attempts and accumulating 81 yards. One of those two completions was a wide-open 69-yard touchdown to wide receiver Josh Downs.

Less than a minute before halftime, Richardson threw a costly interception against Houston safety Jalen Pitre, sending the Texans deep into Colts territory. Texas quarterback CJ Stroud made light work of the possession, throwing a ball to receiver Tank Dell for a touchdown and giving Houston a 17-10 halftime lead.

Despite his problems, Richardson remained on the field in the second half. He finished the game 10-for-32 passing for 175 yards.

The Colts scored a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to get within one point of the Texans. A Stroud fumble recovered by Indianapolis gave the Colts a chance to score, but the team was forced to punt. The Colts had another possession, but Richardson was sacked and fumbled the ball as time expired, sealing Houston's 23-20 win.

The loss leaves Indianapolis 4-4 on the season.