Colts Name Anthony Richardson Starting Quarterback for Remainder of 2024 Season

The Indianapolis Colts have decided to return to second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson as their starter for the rest of the 2024 season. Head coach Shane Steichen made the announcement on Wednesday.

"I talked to (owner) Jim (Irsay). I talked to (general manager) Chris (Ballard). But, ultimately, this was my decision," Steichen said.

Richardson began the season as QB1 but struggled to meet expectations early on, which led to the Colts turning to veteran Joe Flacco. Flacco started in place of Richardson but was unable to lead the team to victories, as the Colts fell to a 4-6 record after losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.

"Everyone has a different turn," Steichen explained. "Everyone has a different play, development, how you go about the process. ... I love Anthony, he's a great person, and (I've) got great faith in him and his abilities to be our franchise quarterback."

Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, started two games after Richardson was benched, completing 67.7% of his passes for 451 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. He had previously made three appearances between Weeks 4-6 when Richardson was sidelined due to an oblique injury.

Despite the struggles, the Colts have remained committed to Richardson, who they drafted fourth overall in 2023 as their long-term quarterback solution. His rookie season ended early after just four games due to a shoulder injury. In 2024, Richardson has started six games, completing 44.4% of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also contributed 242 rushing yards and a touchdown.

"You have things to learn, and I think (Richardson) has done a great job of keeping his head on the right way and showing up and working hard," Flacco said of Richardson.

With the Colts currently holding the No. 8 seed in the AFC, they will face the New York Jets this Sunday.