Anthony Richardson is remaining hopeful that he will be ready to play by Sunday.
He is listed as questionable for the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he can’t play, veteran Joe Flacco will likely start in his place.
Richardson injured his hip during a Week 4 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was optimistic about participating in the game against the Jaguars, but the Colts may choose to prioritize caution with their 22-year-old franchise quarterback.
Additionally, the Colts will be without running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been ruled out due to a sprained ankle also incurred in the game against Pittsburgh.
Coach Shane Steichen mentioned on Friday that the team plans to use a “running back by committee” strategy against Jacksonville.
In his first four starts this season, Richardson has struggled with accuracy, completing only 50.6% of his passes (39 of 77) for 654 yards, with three touchdowns and six interceptions, which are tied for the most in the league. He has also rushed for one touchdown.
Regardless of whether he plays on Sunday, there is concern for Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, as he could miss the 14th game of his young career out of a possible 22. Since making his NFL debut against the Jaguars last season, he has already missed time due to a concussion and a shoulder injury. If he sits out this week, a hip injury would add to his list of ailments.
If Flacco starts, it will mark his fifth team in the NFL. The 39-year-old Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he earned Super Bowl XLVIII MVP honors. He has also played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns, the latter of which he joined last season and led to the playoffs, earning the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts.
In Week 4, Flacco appeared to be in good form, stepping in for Richardson and throwing for 168 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Steelers defense.
Whether it’s Richardson or Flacco, the Colts will need to achieve something no starting quarterback has done since Andrew Luck: win against the Jaguars on the road. Indianapolis has lost nine consecutive road games to Jacksonville (eight in Florida and one in England) since Luck and the Colts triumphed 44-17 at EverBank Field on September 21, 2014. On that same day, Flacco led the Ravens to a 23-21 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Either Richardson or Flacco will guide Indy (2-2) as they face the winless Jaguars (0-4) this Sunday.
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