The Colts’ starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson, did not practice on Thursday, the team’s first official practice of the week.
According to an IndyStar source, the Colts are confident that Richardson will be able to play against the Giants on Sunday, but a lot depends on how he responds to Friday’s practice.
Richardson was expected to be out of the lineup for Wednesday’s practice, but Indianapolis did not practice to allow players to spend Christmas with their family.
Anthony Richardson injury
The Colts listed Richardson with back and foot injuries.
Richardson acknowledged the physical toll the season can have on him. The Indianapolis starting quarterback missed two starts in October due to a hip issue, and he was benched for two games in early November to improve his preparation.
Since his return to the lineup, the 6-4, 245-pounder has been employed as a battering ram, averaging nine carries per game and getting a lot of them in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
“From the start of the season, you’re going to feel those hits the next day,” Richardson said. “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.”
Richardson was on the practice field on Thursday, but he was not wearing a jersey, did not have his helmet, and did not participate in quarterback drills during the media-access portion of practice.
“It’s all part of it,” Richardson explained. “You just have to keep adjusting and just keep your body right so you can keep performing.”
Who is Anthony Richardson’s backup?
If Richardson is unable to play on Sunday, the Colts will turn to experienced backup Joe Flacco, who has started four games in place of Richardson this season. Flacco has completed 66.5% of his throws this season, but he averages 6.9 yards per attempt, has nine touchdowns and five interceptions, and has struggled in both of his starts with Richardson on the bench.
Indianapolis still has a mathematical shot at the playoffs — the Colts may be eliminated if the Chargers and Broncos both win on Saturday — and will face a Giants team on Sunday that has lost 10 straight games and now possesses the first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tight end Mo Alie-Cox and linebacker E.J. Speed also didn’t practice, with linebacker Jaylon Carlies and Quenton Nelson limited participants. Cornerbacks JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones, and receivers Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. were full participants.
Anthony Richardson stats
The Colts are 6-5 in Richardson’s starts. He has a league-worst 47.7% completion rate for 1,814 yards, 8 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 61.6. He has 86 carries, 499 yards, and 6 touchdowns.
Anthony Richardson college
Richardson attended the University of Florida.
Anthony Richardson age
Richardson is 22. He’ll turn 23 on May 22, 2002.
Anthony Richardson contract
Anthony Richardson is in the second year of a four-year rookie contract. He counts $7.725 million toward the Colts salary cap this season. The 4-year contract totals almost $34 million.
