Analysis

Richardson revealed Wednesday that he was barely able to walk last Tuesday because the pain from a disc issue in his back was so bad. He said he's feeling "way better" this week and will try to play in the season finale, hoping to finish out a disappointing campaign with a strong individual performance and a Colts win. Richardson also revealed that he's dealt with back spasms since eighth grade and has issues that "might be chronic," but won't necessarily require surgery, per James Boyd of The Athletic. None of this is good news for his long-term outlook, nor for his Week 18 rushing projection if he plays.

Analysis

Back issues prevented Richardson from playing in Week 17, but the quarterback could return to action this weekend depending on how he fares in practice over the next three days. With the Colts holding a walk-through session Wednesday, what Richardson is able to do during Thursday's session will provide a better indication of which direction he's trending in for Sunday's contest. For his part, Richardson -- who dislocated that he's dealing with a disc issue -- said Wednesday that he's feeling much better this week compared to last, per Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star.

Analysis

Richardson also has been dealing with a foot injury, but head coach Shane Steichen indicated last week that the back problem -- which he clarified to be back spasms Monday -- was the bigger issue. Steichen did indicate Monday that Richardson is feeling better, so there's a legitimate chance the rookie QB could return to a starting role Sunday. If Richardson can't play, Joe Flacco -- who threw for 330 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions Sunday in a loss to the Giants -- would likely start behind center again.

Analysis

After failing to practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday, Richardson had taken a questionable tag into the weekend, but the Colts ultimately weren't confident enough in his ability to play through the pair of injuries. Joe Flacco will draw the Week 17 start in place of Richardson, whose injuries aren't viewed as serious enough to prevent him from playing in the Colts' regular-season finale versus the Jaguars next weekend, per Stephen Holder of ESPN.com.

Analysis

Richardson didn't practice in any capacity throughout the week, but head coach Shane Steichen isn't ready to rule out the starting quarterback for a game the 7-8 Colts have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Steichen said Richardson's back is bothering the quarterback more than his foot and that the next 48 hours will be pivotal in determining Richardson's availability. If Richardson's ruled out prior to Sunday's 1:00 p.m. EST kickoff, Joe Flacco would make his fifth start of the season.

Analysis

Richardson was listed as a non-participant on practice reports Wednesday and Thursday and could be headed for another DNP on Friday. If Richardson is unavailable for Sunday's game against the Giants, veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco would be in line to start in his place.

Analysis

Per the report, Richardson has made consistent progress and is responding to treatment, but the QB's performance in Friday's practice will be critical in determining his Week 17 status. After being deemed a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, Richardson didn't participate in practice Thursday, which led to Joe Flacco taking first-team signal-caller reps in his place, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Analysis

Richardson was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, so his absence from Thursday's session is notable as Sunday's game against the Giants approaches. If the QB is unavailable this weekend, Joe Flacco presumably would start in Richardson's place, backed up Sam Ehlinger.

Analysis

The Colts didn't hold an actual practice Wednesday, but Richardson's inclusion on the team's initial injury report makes his status worth tracking as Sunday's game against the Giants approaches. The quarterback has two more chances to upgrade to full participation before the team assigns Week 17 game designations.