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The Colts are reportedly going back to Joe Flacco instead of Anthony Richardson at quarterback

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have decided to reinstate Joe Flacco as the team's starting quarterback.

On Monday, following the Colts' 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, head coach Shane Steichen would not commit to backing Anthony Richardson as the team's starter and said they were considering their options for the Week 9 game against the “Evaluate” Minnesota. Vikings.

Richardson was 10 of 32 passing for 175 yards and a touchdown and an interception against Houston. He explained that his brief absence in the third quarter was because he was “tired.”

Ten games into his NFL career, Richardson has shown little sign of development. In fact, it is declining. Richardson's rookie season was limited to four games due to multiple injuries. But he showed his potential by averaging 5.4 yards per carry and 11.5 yards per completion. His 59.5% completion rate left room for improvement.

In six games as a starter this season, Richardson has taken a step back, and the worries that followed him from Florida have only intensified. The deep balls are there. Richardson leads the league with 16.2 yards per completion and has thrown several outstanding touchdown passes. But his 44.4% completion rate doesn't match that of an NFL backup, let alone a starter. His touchdown-to-interception ratio is also 4 to 7.

After a resurgent season in Cleveland in 2023, Flacco was traded to the Colts this season to back up Richardson. He started in three games and led the team to two wins. He has a pass completion percentage of 65.7% and has thrown seven touchdowns and just one interception while averaging 179 yards passing per game.