### Joe Flacco to Retake Starting QB Role for Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have opted to reinstate Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. This decision follows their narrow 23-20 defeat to the Houston Texans. Post-game, head coach Shane Steichen remained non-committal about retaining Anthony Richardson as the starter, indicating the team was "evaluating" their options ahead of the Week 9 clash with the Minnesota Vikings.

Richardson’s performance against Houston was underwhelming, completing just 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Richardson attributed his brief third-quarter absence to fatigue. Throughout his ten-game NFL journey, Richardson's progress has been negligible, showing signs of regression. His rookie season was hindered by injuries, limiting him to four games, though he demonstrated potential with averages of 5.4 yards per carry and 11.5 yards per completion. However, his 59.5% completion rate indicated areas needing improvement.

This season, in six starts, Richardson's performance has faltered further. While he tops the league with 16.2 yards per completion and has made several notable touchdown throws, his completion percentage has plummeted to 44.4%. Coupled with a 4-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio, these stats are concerning, even for a backup quarterback.

In contrast, Flacco, who joined the Colts to back up Richardson after a strong 2023 season with Cleveland, has demonstrated more stability. In his three starts this season, he has led the team to two victories, boasting a 65.7% completion rate with seven touchdowns and just one interception. Flacco’s average of 179 passing yards per game further underscores his reliability as the Colts look to stabilize their season.