**Colts Look to Joe Flacco and Trey Sermon in Stepping Up for Injured Stars**

With Anthony Richardson's hip injury casting doubt on his availability for Week 5 against Jacksonville, and Jonathan Taylor officially sidelined with an ankle issue, the Indianapolis Colts are turning to their depth chart for solid replacements. Joe Flacco and Trey Sermon emerge as key players to watch, potentially taking on essential roles in the upcoming game.

During Friday's practice, Richardson managed to participate, but it was veteran quarterback Flacco who took the majority of first-team reps, as reported by The Athletic. Flacco, who subbed in for Richardson in Week 4, completed 16 of 26 passes for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning 19 Fantasy points. This performance was reminiscent of his reliable play for the Browns last year, suggesting he could step in effectively for Richardson against Jacksonville.

Jacksonville's defense has been generous to opposing quarterbacks, ranking second in Fantasy points allowed. In recent games, Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud have each racked up over 27.5 Fantasy points against the Jaguars. Flacco may not hit that mark, but a solid 20 Fantasy points seems within reach.

Flacco's role under center could significantly benefit wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Pittman is poised to be a No. 2 Fantasy receiver across all leagues, while Downs positions himself as a high-end No. 3 option and a sleeper pick. Both receivers shone in Week 4 against Pittsburgh with Flacco; Pittman recorded six catches for 113 yards on nine targets, and Downs secured eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown from nine targets. Facing a Jaguars defense that ranks fifth in Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, the duo is set for another advantageous matchup.

In the running game, Trey Sermon is expected to start, though he will share duties with Tyler Goodson. Sermon is likely to be a low-end No. 2 running back or flex option, while Goodson is more of a desperate flex pick. Despite having limited touches—Sermon has logged at least two carries in every game this year and scored a touchdown in Week 3—there is optimism. After Taylor's injury in Week 4, Sermon carried the ball five times, albeit for just eight yards.

Considering Jacksonville's defensive struggles against running backs, allowing the seventh-most Fantasy points to the position, Sermon could find himself a viable fill-in for Taylor. Four running backs have already surpassed 13.6 PPR points against the Jaguars this season, highlighting the potential for a productive outing from Sermon.

While missing key players like Taylor and Richardson is far from ideal, Joe Flacco provides a stable alternative as quarterback, boosting the prospects of Pittman and Downs. If Sermon can step up in the run game, the Colts might still find success against Jacksonville.