INDIANAPOLIS — For the season finale scheduled for Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts will be without quarterback Anthony Richardson and the Jacksonville Jaguars will miss defensive end Josh Hines-Allen.

Richardson is sidelined due to back spasms, marking his second consecutive absence. The young quarterback did not participate in practice throughout the week. This season, he has made 11 starts following a challenging rookie year where he missed the final 13 games due to undergoing surgery on his throwing shoulder.

In Richardson’s absence, 39-year-old Joe Flacco will take the field for his sixth and final start of the season with the Colts. Flacco’s birthday is approaching next week, and he faces the prospect of becoming a free agent once again in March.

On the Jaguars’ side, Hines-Allen is unable to play as he did not travel with the team due to a personal issue. The defensive end is on the verge of making history, as he requires just 2.5 sacks to break the franchise’s all-time record, currently held by Tony Brackens at 55 sacks.

The absence of these pivotal players is expected to impact both teams as they wrap up their seasons.