Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson’s standing for Sunday’s recreation has been downgraded to uncertain, making it unlikely the second-year participant fits up towards the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Richardson suffered an indirect damage after a high-speed collision with a defender in final week’s 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He indicated Wednesday that his damage, successfully a deep bruise, was feeling significantly higher within the days following the preliminary hit. However the Colts introduced Richardson alongside slowly in practices this week, with the quarterback executing solely informal throws in particular person drills through the parts of follow open to media.
Richardson was listed as a restricted follow participant on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The damage will possible press veteran backup Joe Flacco into motion, one week after he entered the sport and preserved the win over Pittsburgh. Flacco could be making his first begin since his late-season run in Cleveland final season, a situation he mentioned is less complicated than coming off the bench as he did per week in the past. The extra intense preparation Flacco acquired in latest days, whereas Richardson was principally a spectator, has him extra ready, Flacco mentioned.
“You actually cannot grasp the distinction till you have needed to do it each methods,” he mentioned. “… Simply calling the play each day. We simply did a walk-through. I acquired to name all of the performs. And also you go have follow, you get to name the performs. That little bit proper there, [you’re] way more acquainted with the sport plan.”
Flacco accomplished 16 of 26 move makes an attempt for 168 yards and two touchdowns towards Pittsburgh with out throwing an interception. However he would much less assistance on Sunday, because the Colts’ accidents prolong properly past Richardson.
Heart Ryan Kelly (neck) has additionally been downgraded to uncertain and will miss his second consecutive recreation. Moreover, star operating again Jonathan Taylor has already been dominated out with an ankle sprain.
Defensive finish Tyquan Lewis was positioned on injured reserve Tuesday with an elbow damage, and cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip) will miss his second straight recreation.
The Jaguars, in the meantime, obtained some excellent news Saturday, as defensive finish Josh Hines-Allen cleared the concussion protocol and can play Sunday. Tight finish Evan Engram is questionable to play with a hamstring damage that is sidelined him since Week 1, and he is not monitoring to play Sunday both, sources advised ESPN Jeremy Fowler.
As for Richardson, his newest damage has induced conversations about his sturdiness to resurface. He pushed again a bit earlier this week, suggesting the damage shouldn’t be shocking given the hit he took.
Concerning criticism from followers, Richardson mentioned, “It is soccer. I am fairly positive if [fans] acquired out the home and got here out right here and acquired hit by any individual that is operating 20-plus miles per hour each week, I am fairly positive they’re going to be sore, coping with accidents as properly. So individuals are going to speak. That is what folks do, and I am not essentially frightened.
“I am simply making an attempt to concentrate on getting higher.”
Richardson has missed 13 of a doable 21 video games since turning into the NFL’s No. 4 draft decide in 2023. He suffered a shoulder damage in Week 5 of his rookie season that required surgical procedure and proved season-ending.
He additionally missed a recreation final season with a concussion.
Richardson has struggled with turnovers this season, throwing six interceptions. However he additionally ranks third within the NFL in yards per try (8.5) and is first in air yards per try (12.6).