The Indianapolis Colts are fresh off a victory over the Tennessee Titans, and are heading to New Jersey to take on the New York Giants - but they might be forced to do so without their starting quarterback.
Controversy engulfed the Colts earlier this season when head coach Shane Steichen chose to bench Anthony Richardson, the youngest quarterback in the league, and seen as the future of the Colts franchise, in favor of veteran backup QB Joe Flacco. There were rumors that Steichen had lost the locker room, and after Flacco performed terribly, Richardson was quickly renamed starting quarterback.
There's no denying that Richardson struggled earlier in the season, but the locker room was thrilled to have him back, and he has shown improvement since his return, with many arguing that the two-week benching helped Richardson take the responsibility he has as leader of this Colts team more seriously.
Unfortunately, the Colts may be without Richardson for their Week 17 match against the Giants, as he has been struggling with back and foot injuries following the Titans game. The Colts' run game was explosive during that game, largely due to Jonathan Taylor, but also due to efforts from Richardson as well.
On Christmas day, the Colts did not practice, but during Thursday's practice, The Athletic's James Boyd reported that Flacco was in at QB1 while Richardson watched from the sidelines.
#Colts QB2 Joe Flacco is taking the first-team reps today. QB1 Anthony Richardson is watching nearby. pic.twitter.com/lt3yahu4dr
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 26, 2024
Richardson told reporters that the harsh hits he takes do carry a toll.
"From the start of the season, you're going to feel those hits the next day,” he said in to the media. “It's kind of weird because I was telling my family, like in college I didn't really get sore. But NFL, it's a different breed, different game.”
While it's not clear yet what will happen, sources have said they expect Richardson to be able to play on Sunday.