Colts bench Joe Flacco; Anthony Richardson returns as starter

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday that Anthony Richardson will return as the starting quarterback, beginning with Sunday's game against the New York Jets. The move comes just two days after Steichen confirmed veteran Joe Flacco as the starter for the game at MetLife Stadium.

Richardson, selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft, will be the starter for the remainder of the season. The 22-year-old quarterback had been benched after a game against the Houston Texans in October, when he asked to leave because he felt “tired.”

Flacco, 39, has made two starts in recent games, with the Colts (4-6) losing to the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. In those games, Flacco had six turnovers, including four interceptions.

Steichen said that while he discussed the decision with owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard, the decision to reinstate Richardson was his.

“We made it clear that he is our starting quarterback going forward,” Steichen said, noting Richardson’s improved detail and performance over the past few weeks.