Colts leave door open for Anthony Richardson return after shocking benching

Despite being just 22 years old and starting less than a full season of games, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been so inconsistent and volatile that the coaching staff thought a change at quarterback before Sunday Night's duel against the Minnesota Vikings was the only logical way forward. Richardson has been benched for ageless veteran Joe Flacco.

In 10 starts, Richardson has completed 50.2% of his passes with seven touchdown throws and eight interceptions while running for five more touchdowns. While inconsistent and willing to tap out of games, flashes of the superstar he could be have popped up regularly, if not regularly enough for head coach Shane Steichen.

Benching a player picked No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft this early into their careers seems almost unheard of, but Steichen seemingly wants to let Flacco try to lead them to the postseason. While Richardson looks to be dead and buried, those close to the team aren't so sure if that.

According to sources close to the Colts, per Stephen Holder, the Colts are "not quitting on Anthony" despite what the stories in the national media would say. This may be more of a hard reset than a benching that ends the Richardson era in Indianapolis.

Colts source hints Anthony Richardson could return to starting QB role

Richardson has all the physical talent and arm strength in the world, but he doesn't have the accuracy or decision-making to become a high-level quarterback at this juncture. Richardson isn't being helped, however, by his offense, as Steichen is letting him chuck low-percentage throws all game long.

While this comparison will be used to death by Colts fans and in no way guarantees the same level of success, Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen was in a similar situation in his second season before everything clicked. Buffalo let him work through his problems, while Richardson was tossed aside.

Indy is currently 4-4 on the season, and the very weak AFC could allow them to reel off a win or two as they try to chase a postseason birth. Flacco might be better right now, but the Richardson plan was always going to take time. They need to stick with it.

With a weak 2025 NFL Draft class coming down the line and a lack of veteran options on the market, it makes the most sense for Indianapolis to keep trying Richardson until they get a clear-cut answer on how good he can be. In the right offense, there's no reason why Richardson can't be a star.