Colts name Anthony Richardson starting quarterback in sudden switch-up: ‘We’ve never lost faith’

The Indianapolis Colts made a surprising announcement on Wednesday, naming Anthony Richardson as the starting quarterback just two weeks after benching him for tapping out of a game against the Houston Texans because he claimed he was tired. Head coach Shane Steichen explained the decision, stating that Richardson had shown significant improvement in all aspects of his game and had become a “pro’s pro” in the past two weeks.

Steichen emphasized the importance of attention to detail in Richardson’s performance, both on and off the field. He noted that Richardson had made significant strides in becoming a more complete player and that the coaching staff was committed to helping him reach his full potential. Despite initially naming Joe Flacco as the starter for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, Steichen revealed that the plan was always to have Richardson reclaim the starting role for the rest of the season.

The decision to bench Richardson initially raised questions about his commitment and work ethic, but Steichen clarified that it was simply a matter of pushing him to “another level.” He expressed the organization’s belief in Richardson as their franchise quarterback, despite the challenges he has faced since being drafted with the No. 4 overall pick. Richardson has battled injuries throughout his career, including a concussion and a season-ending shoulder injury in his rookie season.

This season, Richardson has struggled with a hip injury that caused him to miss two games before being benched. However, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his performance and make necessary changes to improve. Richardson stated that he is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success and is thankful for the opportunity to prove himself.

Overall, the Colts are confident in Richardson’s abilities and believe that he has the potential to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. With his recent improvements and commitment to excellence, Richardson is poised to lead the team to victory in the remaining games of the season. Colts fans can look forward to seeing Richardson back on the field and making a significant impact as the starting quarterback.