Colts QB Anthony Richardson Downgraded to Out; Joe Flacco to Start vs. Giants
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indianapolis Colts have suffered a significant blow to their offense, as quarterback Anthony Richardson has been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants due to a back and foot injury.
Richardson’s Injury History
Richardson has been dealing with back issues since the preseason, and he aggravated the injury during last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans. He was initially listed as questionable for this week’s game, but further evaluation revealed the severity of his condition.
This is not the first time Richardson has missed time due to injury. In his rookie season last year, he missed five games with a shoulder injury. The Colts are hoping that this latest setback is not as serious, but it is a significant concern for a team that is already struggling offensively.
Flacco to Start
With Richardson out, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will get the start against the Giants. Flacco, 37, has plenty of experience as a starter, having spent 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. He has also started three games for the Colts this season, going 1-2.
Flacco is a capable backup, but he is not the same player he was in his prime. He has lost some arm strength and mobility, and he is more prone to interceptions. However, he is a savvy veteran who knows how to manage a game and make quick decisions.
Colts’ Offensive Struggles
The Colts’ offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. Richardson’s injury is only going to make things worse.
Flacco will need to play well if the Colts want to have any chance of winning on Sunday. He will need to be accurate with his throws, make good decisions, and avoid turnovers. The Colts will also need to give him a strong running game and protect him from the Giants’ pass rush.
Giants’ Defense
The Giants’ defense is not as good as it was last season, but it is still a formidable unit. They have a strong pass rush led by Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, and they have a solid secondary led by Xavier McKinney and Adoree’ Jackson.
The Colts will need to be careful not to turn the ball over against the Giants’ defense. They will also need to find ways to get the ball to their playmakers, such as Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell.
Outlook
The Colts are a significant underdog against the Giants this week, and the loss of Richardson makes their chances of winning even slimmer. However, Flacco is a capable quarterback, and the Colts have a few playmakers on offense.
If the Colts can play a mistake-free game and get enough production from their running game, they could pull off an upset. However, it will be an uphill battle against a tough Giants defense.