Colts announce QB Anthony Richardson's status for Week 7 vs. Dolphins

After a two-week absence due to an oblique injury he suffered Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis QB Anthony Richardson is set to make his return Sunday as the Colts host the Miami Dolphins.

When speaking to reporters on Friday, head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson "was throwing crisp passes" and "looked really good" during practice all week, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.

Even though Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, has missed the last two games and part of their win against the Steelers, veteran Joe Flacco has been a bright spot for the Colts.

In the three games Flacco has appeared in this season, he has completed 71 of 108 passes for 716 yards, seven TDs and one interception while owning a top-five QBR of 71.9. In the Colts' lone defeat to the Jaguars with Flacco under center, he still passed for 359 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite Flacco's efficiency, the Colts will turn to their starter Richardson on Sunday as he looks to find a rhythm, having only passed for 654 yards, three TDs and six interceptions while having a mediocre 51.6 QBR this season. While Richardson's passing numbers have not been great, he does bring a dual-threat dynamic to the Colts offense, having accounted for 141 rushing yards and a TD in his limited action this season.

Even though Richardson's completion percentage has hovered between 50 and 60 percent his first two seasons in the league, he has shown the ability to make spectacular throws — most recently, a 60-yard touchdown connection with wide receiver Alec Pierce in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.

With running back Jonathan Taylor's ankle injury preventing him from playing on Sunday, per Nick Shook of NFL.com and according to Steichen, it should be interesting to see how the Colts utilize Richardson, particularly in the running game, as he returns to the field.