Anthony Richardson injury update: What coach Shane Steichen said about Richardson on Sunday

NASHVILLE — Anthony Richardson was ruled out of Sunday’s win over the Titans before the Colts arrived at Nissan Stadium.

Richardson was ruled out late in the week, according to Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen .

Typically tight-lipped on injuries, Steichen termed Richardson a game-time decision in his final press conference of the week on Friday, but it became clear to the Colts that the young quarterback needed at least one more week of recovery before returning to the lineup.

“We went through the week with Anthony, seeing how he was feeling,” Steichen said. “And obviously, just wasn’t there yet, so we went with Joe (Flacco) .”

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Richardson worked out before the game, although he did not throw as close to kickoff as last week in Jacksonville.

Indianapolis felt comfortable enough with Richardson’s health that he was available as the team’s emergency third quarterback in case of injury to Flacco and Sam Ehlinger, a rare occurrence in the NFL.

Flacco slogged through a difficult game against one of the NFL’s best passing defenses, completing 22 of 38 passes for 189 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

“I’ve been around long enough, you’ve just got to stay on your toes and prepare,” Flacco said. “I didn’t want to assume anything.”

Flacco has been successful as Richardson’s backup, picking up wins in two of the three games he’s played, but there have been parts of all three games where the offense has stagnated, limited by a short passing attack and a lack of a mobile threat at quarterback.

Indianapolis kicked two short field goals on Sunday after failed trips into the red zone, including a string of three failed runs inside the 5-yard line in the second half. When the Colts have Richardson, the young quarterback is often a weapon near the goal line.

“Obviously, the quarterback run game would help with that stuff,” Steichen said. “But I’ve got to do a better job with that, in that situation.”

Joe Flacco stats

In 4 appearances

71-of-108 passing (65.7%) for 716 yards and 7 touchdowns with 1 interception. He has been sacked six times.

Joe Flacco contract

The 39-year-old joined the Colts in the offseason one a 1-year contract that counts $5 million toward the salary cap, according to Spotrac .

Anthony Richardson stats

Through Week 6

39-of-77 (50.6%), 654 yards, 3 touchdowns, 6 interceptions; 4 sacks; 21 carries, 141 yards (6.7 per), 1 TD

Anthony Richardson contract

Anthony Richardson is in the second year of a four-year rookie contract. He counts $7.725 million toward the Colts salary cap this season. The 4-year contract totals almost $34 million.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Anthony Richardson injury update: What coach Shane Steichen said about Richardson on Sunday