Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen hinted at a possible quarterback change on Monday following rookie Anthony Richardson’s rough outing against the Houston Texans. When asked directly if Richardson would remain the starting quarterback for their Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Steichen initially dodged the question before finally stating, “We are evaluating everything,” a response that has fueled speculation about a potential move to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.
Gregg Doyel, a reporter for the Indianapolis Star, noted the coach’s hesitance to give a direct answer, which many view as a sign that Steichen and his staff are seriously considering other options at quarterback. Richardson’s performance against the Texans left much to be desired; he completed just 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, throwing one touchdown but also an interception. His struggles were compounded when he requested to step out of the game in a crucial moment late in the third quarter. The reason for his departure reportedly didn’t sit well with some fans and analysts, drawing criticism from those who felt he should have stayed in and fought through.
Joe Flacco has filled in at quarterback during Richardson’s absences earlier in the season due to injuries. In those games, Flacco helped the Colts secure a 1-1 record in his starts and led them to victory in one game where he came in to relieve Richardson. Flacco has generally performed better in the passing game than the second-year quarterback, making him an appealing choice for a team hoping to remain competitive in a tight playoff race. Given the Colts’ 4-4 record, a move to the experienced Flacco could help stabilize the offense and improve their chances of securing a postseason spot.
I asked #Colts HC Shane Steichen if QB Anthony Richardson is the team's starting QB:
"Today he is, yes."
Is he the starting QB for Sunday's game against the #Vikings:
"We're evaluating." | @TheAthleticNFL
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 28, 2024
Ultimately, Steichen’s cautious response leaves room for speculation about the future of the quarterback position. With the Colts still very much in playoff contention, it appears the coaching staff is carefully weighing their options, considering whether Richardson can develop into the consistent starter they hoped for, or if Flacco’s experience might give them a better shot at making a strong playoff push this season. Fans will have to wait to see how the coaching staff proceeds, but all signs point to a potential change in the coming week.
