Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had a brief, unexpected exit during Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, stepping out for one play in the third quarter. The reason for his exit, however, was unusual—Richardson explained that he felt too fatigued to run the next play after being sacked during a 2nd-and-goal situation. Following the sack, Richardson signaled to the sideline by tapping his helmet, indicating he needed a break, and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco briefly took over to execute a simple handoff to running back Jonathan Taylor on the subsequent 3rd-and-goal from Houston’s 23-yard line.
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson on taking himself out of the game in the 3rd quarter: “Tired, I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there that I did … So, I just told Shane (Steichen) I needed a break right there.”
(🎥 @WISHNews8)pic.twitter.com/5DiUalDXDU
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 27, 2024
After the game, Richardson explained that he was unusually winded after several high-intensity plays. “I was tired, I ain’t gonna lie,” Richardson said, describing the exertion that led to his quick exit. “That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I don’t think I was going to be able to go that next play.” This candid admission sparked mixed reactions, with some fans and analysts seeing it as a necessary choice for his well-being, while others viewed it critically. Former Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee reacted strongly to Richardson’s brief absence, critiquing his decision to step off the field.
The break was short-lived; Richardson returned on the Colts’ next offensive series and led the team down the field for a touchdown. However, this instance raised questions about his conditioning and endurance, given the demands of the quarterback position, especially in high-stakes scenarios like a goal-line situation. His performance for the game showed both his athletic potential and areas for improvement: he completed 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, and contributed 45 rushing yards. While these stats reflect his dual-threat capabilities, they also highlight areas in which the rookie could improve, as his completion rate and decision-making under pressure are key aspects for his development.
I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson.. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2024
Richardson’s struggles on Sunday added to the challenges facing the Colts, who, after their loss to Houston, fell to a 4-4 record. Nevertheless, the Colts organization appears committed to Richardson as the starting quarterback, showing patience as he navigates his rookie season and grows into the role. Despite some mixed performances, Richardson’s resilience and physical prowess keep him as a central figure in the Colts’ long-term plans. The Colts coaching staff and fans alike are hopeful that he’ll continue to build on his game, as his athleticism and leadership potential remain strong assets, especially if he can continue to improve his stamina and efficiency under pressure.
