Colts' Richardson Explains Reason for Temporary Exit vs. Texans

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson came out of the game for a moment against the Houston Texans.

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) jogs off the field after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts fell short to the Houston Texans in a gritty battle that was certainly not the *prettiest* game of football ever played. During the third quarter, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left the game on a third-and-goal opportunity.

Richardson left the field while the Colts were down 20-10 and needed a score to make it a one-possession game. Joe Flacco played one snap in his place, handing the ball off to Jonathan Taylor for a five-yard carry on third-and-goal from the 23-yard line.

After the game, Richardson was questioned as to why he left the field. His response was questionable but honest (via Colts):

Man, [I was] tired ain't gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn't think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told Shane I needed a break right there.

- Anthony Richardson, Colts QB

#Colts QB Anthony Richardson on leaving the game for one play in the 3Q:

“Tired, I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn’t think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told (HC Shane Steichen) I needed a break right there.” pic.twitter.com/EMUtiSLIvm

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 27, 2024

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In his sixth start this season, Richardson completed 10 of his 32 passes (31.3%) for 175 yards and a touchdown. Box-watching may not be the appropriate way to judge his play today, but the performance was still disappointing. There's a clear lack of chemistry with his receiving corps that needs to be fixed ahead of a difficult stretch of games.

1 whole minute of Anthony Richardson getting no help from his receivers against the Texans. pic.twitter.com/CJXu7mnzgk

— Colts Topic (@ColtsTopic) October 27, 2024

Richardson also threw his seventh interception of the year in the loss at the end of the second quarter, resulting in a Texans touchdown moments later. The blame can't be placed entirely on the sophomore quarterback but expectations still need to be raised for a team in playoff contention.

WHAT WE NEEDEDDD 😤

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/wI1g0WmxZE

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 27, 2024

The Colts are moving into a primetime matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on the road next Sunday. Indy will be aiming for a fifth win on the season and a big opportunity to redeem their name on national television.

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