Richardson has not completed more than 50 percent of his passes in any game this season in which he has attempted more than five throws and has yet to reach the 220-yard passing mark. There have been flashes of the 2023 first-round pick, including some deep bombs and athletic play with his legs, but they haven’t been nearly consistent enough.

The benching also comes after Richardson admitted he left Sunday’s game because he was “tired.” The honest answer has raised questions about the QB’s commitment. Teammate Ryan Kelly even noted that this wasn’t “the standard” Richardson has to meet. While the offensive production issues are a more important concern, the tapping could have played a role in the decision.

Looking at Flacco, who went 1-1 as a starter and helped win the win over Pittsburgh in relief, should come as no surprise. The offense is more on target with the veteran quarterback. In the Week 5 loss at Jacksonville, Flacco’s 359 yards and three touchdowns were by far the most productive day for the offense in 2024. Last year we saw that Stechien’s offense can move the ball if the QB stays on target and makes the right read .

As he showed in 2023, the 39-year-old Flacco can run the offense, isn’t afraid to stretch the field and provides a calming presence.

A year ago, Flacco took over in Cleveland and led the Browns to a playoff berth down the stretch, going 4-1 as a starter. The Colts, who are at 4-4, a half-game out of a wild-card spot, are hoping that calling on the veteran could yield a similar payout.

When Indy drafted Richardson, they knew there would be growing pains given his minuscule starting experience in college. With the playoffs still within reach, the Colts are unwilling to endure that battle. Instead, they turn to Flacco.

It’s a quick turnaround for an organization that has vociferously supported Richardson since drafting him in the top five a year ago. The question is how long he will be on the pines and what kind of future he has in Indy, if and when he returns to the starting lineup.