Indianapolis started Week 4 of the NFL season with a notable loss.
A few hours later, we had a big win.
Despite the Colts’ second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson leaving in the first quarter with a hip injury, Indianapolis used backup Joe Flacco and the defensive end to defeat undefeated Pittsburgh by 27. We defeated them 24 times (3-1) and won the game.
Richardson’s injury ruined a dream start for the Colts (2-2).
Richardson completed three of his first four passes for 71 yards and added 24 rushing yards, but a 14-yard scramble downfield with 5:42 left in the first quarter. Injured by a direct hit near his right hip, Richardson immediately played inside the area he was seen reaching and missed the next two plays before returning.
More sports on NBC News
However, on the first playback, Richardson struggled to run to his left on first-and-goal just 6 yards to the end zone and immediately left the game again. The team initially ruled that Richardson’s return was questionable, but he was quickly demoted to missing the remaining games.
The fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson’s short NFL tenure was marred by injuries, starting with a concussion in his second career game. Shortly after his return, in October 2023, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery.
Flacco completed 16 of 26 passes, including two touchdowns, and did not turn the ball over in relief of Richardson. Pittsburgh is dealing with injuries to its own quarterback. Steelers QB Justin Fields, who started for the fourth consecutive week in place of Russell Wilson, threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns, rallying Pittsburgh from as many as 17 points in the first half. I ran.
The Steelers had possession in the final moments and had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Fields’ last pass fell incomplete on fourth down with 37 seconds left.
