INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have officially announced that Anthony Richardson will take the reins as the starting quarterback in their upcoming game against the New York Jets. This change is set to remain in effect for the remainder of the season, according to head coach Shane Steichen, who made the statement on Wednesday.

The decision follows a two-week period in which Richardson was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who is 39 years old. During Flacco’s time as a starter, the Colts encountered significant difficulties, resulting in two losses characterized by poor performance, including six turnovers attributed to Flacco alone.

Coach Steichen explained that the rationale behind Richardson’s benching was to allow him the opportunity to develop further and demonstrate readiness behind the scenes. Steichen noted that he has observed improvement in Richardson’s preparation and skills during this time.

Richardson, selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, now returns to the field with renewed expectations and the support of the coaching staff, who believe in his potential to make substantial contributions to the team moving forward. This decision signals a commitment to Richardson’s growth as an integral player for the Colts.