The Indianapolis Colts will return Anthony Richardson as their starting quarterback starting Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday.
Steichen said Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, will remain a starter for the rest of the season.
The change came two days after Steichen said veteran Joe Flacco would start at MetLife Stadium.
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Flacco has started in place of Richardson in the Colts’ last two games, with Indianapolis losing both. Flacco, 39, committed six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumbles) in losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.
The Colts (4-6) benched the 22-year-old Richardson after a game against the Houston Texans in late October, but he later told reporters he was “tired.” He was asked to be ejected for one play.
Steichen said he discussed it with owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard, but ultimately it was his decision to return Richardson to the starting lineup.
“We made it very clear to him that he is our starting quarterback going forward.”
Steichen also said he was pleased with what he saw from Richardson over the past two weeks.
“It’s his attention to detail in everything he does,” Steichen said. “It has to be a higher standard. In the last two weeks, he has made progress in those areas.”
Field Level Media contributed to this report.
