In a recent game against the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left the field briefly in the third quarter, not due to injury but because he was fatigued after a physically taxing series of plays. During a crucial second-and-goal, Richardson evaded a near sack and scrambled to make a play, ultimately keeping the ball and taking a hit for no gain.
Exhausted from the sequence, Richardson signaled to the sideline, where he took a knee, signaling his need for a break. Although his exit initially raised concerns about a possible injury, it was later clarified by Richardson and his coach, Shane Steichen, that he simply needed a breather.
Earlier in the game, Richardson had taken a hit that affected his left hand, leading some to question his health when he left the field. However, medical staff confirmed he was not injured and didn’t need any additional treatment. Head Coach Steichen explained that Richardson’s fatigue came after a series of running plays that left him winded.
As a result, backup quarterback Joe Flacco briefly took over, executing a handoff to running back Jonathan Taylor, who advanced the ball modestly before the team settled for a field goal, which reduced the Texans’ lead to 20-13. Despite the brief interruption, Richardson returned, but the Texans ultimately won 23-20.
This incident adds to the broader scrutiny surrounding Richardson’s season and performance, as his challenges have sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. Drafted fourth overall in 2023, Richardson has shown inconsistent passing accuracy, with a season completion rate of just 44.4%.
In this game, he completed only 10 of his 32 pass attempts for 175 yards, fueling ongoing debates about his potential as the Colts’ franchise quarterback. While Richardson’s athletic abilities are clear, the struggles in his passing game continue to overshadow his notable achievements, including a career-high 69-yard touchdown pass in this game.
Richardson’s challenges in the Texans game were not entirely his fault, as he faced protection issues throughout, with pressures on over half of his dropbacks. In addition, key skill players contributed to the team’s difficulties: running back Tyler Goodson missed a perfect touchdown pass, and a Michael Pittman Jr. penalty negated a potential Richardson touchdown.
These challenges highlight the team’s collective struggles, yet Richardson’s high-profile position makes him the primary focus of criticism and expectations, especially following a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 that limited his early career momentum.
The Colts and Coach Steichen appear committed to developing Richardson, despite ongoing calls to give Flacco more playing time. Steichen emphasizes that Richardson’s development is a process that requires patience, consistency, and teamwork.
Richardson remains optimistic, expressing confidence in his unique skill set, especially his running ability, which he believes sets him apart from other quarterbacks. The team aims to balance patience with progress as they work to navigate Richardson’s strengths and areas for improvement in the remainder of the season.
