According to AP sources, the Colts are benching Anthony Richardson to start Joe Flacco at quarterback against the Vikings

The Indianapolis Colts are benching Anthony Richardson to start Joe Flacco at quarterback on Sunday in Minnesota, according to two people with knowledge of the decision.

Both people spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the change.

Coach Shane Steichen said Monday he was “evaluating” whether Richardson would remain the starter, the first indication that a move could be on the horizon for the 4-4 Colts.

Richardson, the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was 10 of 32 passing and was sacked five times in a 23-20 loss to Houston over the weekend. He also drew outside criticism for taking himself out of the game for an appearance because he said he was tired.

Flacco appeared in relief early this season and started the next two games when Richardson was sidelined with a right hip injury. The 39-year-old completed 71 of 108 passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception as Indianapolis took a 2-1 lead.

The Colts are 2-3 in games started and finished by Richardson. The University of Florida product is 59 of 133 for 958 yards, four TDs and seven INTs.

Richardson joins Carolina's Bryce Young as QBs drafted in the top five last year who were benched for performance-related reasons. Young started for the Panthers in their final game after journeyman Andy Dalton was involved in a car accident, and the 2023 top pick threw for 224 yards in a 28-24 loss to Denver.

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