The Indianapolis Colts downgraded starting quarterback Anthony Richardson to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, indicating that he will likely not be in the lineup as the Colts look to win their third game in a row.
That sets the stage for veteran Joe Flacco to get his first start of the season…which might not be bad news for the Colts in the short term.
While no team wants to lose its starting quarterback for any length of time, and while the Colts desperately need Richardson to develop into a franchise quarterback, Flacco might be who they need to start building early season momentum and keep pace with the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
While Flacco does not have much long-term upside at this stage of his career, he is a steady hand who is not going to make many mistakes. He came on in relief of Richardson in the Colts’ Week 4 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and played relatively mistake-free football while generating a couple of touchdown drives.
As bright of a future as Richardson has, he can be very boom-or-bust from week to week and even play to play. He will make eye-popping, highlight-reel plays that will produce touchdowns. But he has also been incredibly inaccurate this season and one of the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the league, having already thrown six interceptions.