Analysis

Richardson was reinstated as the starter after Joe Flacco started the Colts' previous two games. The time to watch from the bench benefited Richardson, as he set a season high in passing yards, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs in the fourth quarter. Richardson's ability to make plays with his legs has never been in doubt, and that was on display on his touchdown runs of two yards in the second quarter and four yards in the fourth. The latter rushing score put the Colts up 28-27 with 46 seconds remaining and held up as the game-winning touchdown. Richardson will remain the starter in Week 12 against the Lions.

Analysis

The Colts turned to Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the past two games, but after losing both contests while Flacco turned the ball over six times, the team will hand the keys to the offense back over to Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though Richardson's struggles in the passing game led to the prior change, the 22-year-old carries enough upside a rusher to merit fantasy lineup consideration, especially with four teams on bye in Week 11. Steichen cited the strides the young quarterback has made over the last couple of weeks in terms of attention to detail led to the decision to reinstall him as starter, according to James Boyd of The Athletic.

Analysis

Though reports surfaced Tuesday indicating that the Colts were pivoting from Richardson to Flacco at quarterback, Steichen noted Wednesday that the move is not just a one-week change. While Steichen added the Colts are "not giving up on [Richardson] by any means," the 2023 first-round pick is now slated to back up Flacco for the foreseeable future. After his rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury that required surgery, Richardson had struggled to develop as a passer through the first half of his second NFL campaign, completing just 59 of 133 pass attempts (44.4 percent) for 958 yards (7.2 YPA), four touchdowns and seven interceptions through six games.

Analysis

Head coach Shane Steichen hinted at a possible change under center Monday, when he was non-committal about Richardson's status for Week 9. A 2023 first-round pick, Richardson was always considered a developmental prospect due to his minimal amount of games started at the collegiate level, but with the Colts sitting at a 4-4 record and in contention for a playoff berth, Steichen and the coaching staff are clearly more confident in Flacco's ability to command the offense. Richardson hasn't completed more than 50 percent of his pass attempts in any of the five games he's finished this season, and his mistake-prone style of play has balanced out whatever positives that his elite athleticism adds to Indianapolis' offense. The door isn't necessarily closed on the Colts turning back to Richardson down the stretch, after he's given more time to watch Flacco from the sideline.

Analysis

Steichen clarified that Richardson remains Indianapolis' starting quarterback as of Monday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic, but the coaching staff is evaluating at least a temporary shift under center for Week 9. Richardson once again struggled with efficiency during the team's 23-20 loss to the Texans in Week 8, as he completed just 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The second-year signal-caller added 45 rushing yards on six carries, but he also fumbled twice, losing one. His development as a passer hasn't lived up to expectations through six appearances this season, while Joe Flacco performed admirably in his three-game stretch under center from Weeks 4 through 6. Heading into a difficult Week 9 road matchup, the Colts' quarterback position needs to be considered up in the air until further notice.

Analysis

Richardson came into the game having completed just 48.5 percent of his throws, and though he was even more inefficient Sunday, he nearly led the Colts to a win. A bulk of Richardson's yardage came on two big throws to Josh Downs, who recorded gains of 69 and 25 yards while scoring on the first one and just missing a touchdown on the second. Richardson also managed to spike the ball with one second remaining to give the Colts one final chance at a game-winning throw, but he took a sack and fumbled on the final play of the game. The second-year signal-caller has an unenviable matchup in Week 9, as the Colts will travel to face the Vikings in a Sunday night interconference clash.

Analysis

The second-year quarterback had another poor statistical performance in his first game action since suffering an oblique strain in Week 4, but there were some glimmers of hope. Richardson looked more comfortable throwing the ball in the second half as he led Indianapolis to 13 straight points, and coach Steve Steichen was more willing to call designed runs for the mobile QB -- his 14 carries were a season high. and his 56 yards led the team while tying his season high. Most importantly, Richardson came out of the game healthy, setting him up for a clash with the Texans in Week 8.

Analysis

Richardson put forth a full week of practice, paving the way for his return after Joe Flacco filled in admirably during the second-year quarterback's two-week absence. The Dolphins have allowed only three passing touchdowns in five games, so Richardson could find it tough to improve on his 3:6 TD:INT, but his elite rushing ability gives Richardson significant fantasy upside.

Analysis

Head coach Shane Steichen said Monday that he expected Richardson to return from a two-game absence to start this Sunday against the Dolphins. A full practice to begin Week 7 prep confirms the plan is on track, although Richardson was also a full participant last Thursday and didn't end up playing in Sunday's eventual 20-17 win over the Titans. In light of how things played out last week, fantasy managers will want to see confirmation from Steichen before Sunday that Richardson is in fact starting against the Dolphins.