The Indianapolis Colts must question the NFL future of Anthony Richardson.
With a few stunning words, the 22-year-old quarterback immediately placed his football career in limbo.
GettyAnthony Richardson has already been benched by the team that drafted him No. 4[/caption]
“I was tired,” Richarsdon said on Sunday.
“I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there.
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to go that next play. … I just needed a break.”
After Richardson acknowledged being too gassed to play during a tough 23-20 road loss to the divisional rival Houston Texans, his future in Indy was discussed on talkSPORT’s End Zone show.
“Sometimes you just have to lie,” former NFL coach Phoebe Schecter exclusively told talkSPORT.
“We all saw him tap out of the game … that’s wild,” host Will Gavin said.
“You’re being selfish in that moment,” Schecter said. “You are saying, ‘I am more important than the team right now. Me and my rest is more important.’ “
The Colts appeared to understand the severity of Richardon’s ‘tired’ admission.
He was benched on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
Joe Flacco, who will turn 40 in January, is expected to start for Indy in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.
GettyRichardson had a tough game against Houston that become worse[/caption]
GettyC.J. Stroud held on for the win but Richardson needed a breather[/caption]
The Colts promoting Flacco is telling, since Minnesota’s Brian Flores-led defense ranks ninth in the NFL in average points allowed (19.6) and is known for its confusing schemes.
“I don’t see as a head coach how you put him (Richardson) back in, after everyone’s heard what you’ve said,” Schecter said.
Richardson was drafted No. 4 in 2023, despite only playing in more than eight games once during his three-year college run at Florida.
His raw athleticism intrigued the Colts, who burned through QBs after the shocking retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019.
But Richardson played in just four games last season due to injury, and he’s only completed 44.4 percent of his passes in 2024 while throwing more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (four).
“His career over the past year and a half has been so tumultuous,” Schecter said.
talkSPORT’s End Zone crew also questioned how Indy’s offensive line would handle blocking for the ‘tired’ QB again.
“You are the leader, so what message does it send to your teammates?” Schecter said.
The initial damage was already done.
Richardson is playing on a four-year, $33.9 million deal for the 4-4 Colts, who could still make a push for the playoffs.
But Flacco was promoted, despite being signed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract and was set to be a season-long veteran backup.
Midway through his second pro season, Richardson has already been benched by the team that once viewed him as a potential franchise QB.
“He’s a young kid. He doesn’t know what he doesn’t know,” Schecter said.
“That’s for Joe Flacco to be able to go and mentor him and teach him.”
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