The Indianapolis Colts enter today with backup QB Joe Flacco set to start against the Giants after Anthony Richardson was ruled out on Saturday due to back and foot injuries following a week of questions surrounding his availability.
Yet there does not appear to be any question on Richardson's status for the 2025 season.
Sources say that the former first-rounder, who was benched earlier this season before regaining his starting job, is viewed as the presumptive starter for next season. In particular, Indy brass has been pleased with how he responded from the benching before Week 9 and how his attention to detail and preparation has increased as a result.
In last week's win, with the game on the line, Richardson's 10-yard pass to Michael Pittman on third-and-8 with two minutes to go to essentially ice the game was an example of the team trusting him and Richardson delivering. It was a significant step forward for all parties. The Colts have won three of their past five games, and Richardson has made key plays in all of them.
The foot and back issues forcing Richardson out for Sunday's game against the Giants are not considered long-term injuries. As coach Shane Steichen, OC Jim Bob Cooter and Richardson all enter their third season together, the hope is that it all crystalizes in continued success.
Helping matters is that Richardson will actually have a full offseason in 2025. Last year, following surgery to repair a significant AC joint injury, so much of the focus was simply on rehab and on being able to throw by training camp.
This time around, the offseason focus will be on further developing his understanding of the game and honing his fundamentals.
While he was in the meetings last offseason, the best way to learn is as a participant, and that'll be Richardson -- who is 8-7 as a starter in his career -- this offseason.
It was an up-and-down season for Richardson, who not only was benched but also took himself out for a play in need of a rest during a game against the Texans. While that wasn't the reason he was demoted, it didn't help matters. And when Indy benched him, it led to a chorus of pundits assuming he was a bust.
Yet the Colts didn't see it that way. They knew he needed a break and needed a wake-up call. They've seen encouraging signs since then, and his sense of calm in big moments has been appreciated.
The Colts also feel like they have a better idea for how to use him and consistency will be paramount. But at the least, the Colts have no questions about who will be behind center next season.
