### Veteran Quarterback Joe Flacco Takes the Helm for Colts in Unexpected Week 5 Start

In a surprising turn of events in Nashville, Joe Flacco suited up as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in their Sunday game against the Tennessee Titans. Regular starter Anthony Richardson found himself demoted to the emergency No. 3 quarterback spot while continuing to recover from an oblique injury.

Richardson had taken to the practice field all week, participating fully on Thursday and raising expectations of his return. However, head coach Shane Steichen revealed that Richardson’s condition regressed to a limited status by Friday, making his availability a game-time decision. The rookie quarterback suffered the injury during a high-speed collision in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, an incident that kept him out of last Sunday's match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In other team news, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. overcame the odds to play on Sunday. Pittman has been battling a persistent back injury that, earlier in the week, seemed likely to sideline him for an extended period. Discussions even arose about placing him on injured reserve, which would have mandated a minimum four-week absence. However, Pittman made a surprising appearance at Friday's practice as a full participant, paving the way for his active status against the Titans.

Adding to the Colts' bolstered lineup, wide receiver Josh Downs returned to action after missing two practices due to a toe injury. His availability on Sunday was a welcome relief for the Colts' offensive unit.

With key players like Flacco, Pittman, and Downs available, the Colts aimed to capitalize on their presence in what promised to be an intriguing matchup against Tennessee.