Is Anthony Richardson The Starting Quarterback For the Colts When He Returns?

Will Anthony Richardson start for the Indianapolis Colts when he returns? John Johnson breaks down the Anthony Richardson return timeline and fantasy football outlook.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson hasn't produced well in any game since torching the Houston Texans in Week 1. He's struggled massively since then, now totaling just three passing touchdowns to six interceptions. He's thrown just one touchdown to five interceptions excluding Week 1.

He also hasn't been as much of a factor with his legs as expected. He had just 24 rushing yards in each of Weeks 3 and 4. His ineffectiveness has shown up in the stat sheet as well -- Richardson scored just 4.9 and 3 fantasy points in Weeks 2-3, his last two healthy outings.

So will Anthony Richardson remain the starter for the Indianapolis Colts when he returns to the field?

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Will Anthony Richardson Start For The Colts When He Returns?

Yes, and there's no question about it. Benching your second-year player after a few rough games and time missed due to injury makes no sense. Backup quarterback Joe Flacco is 39 years old and doesn't have much time left to play in the NFL. Richardson was drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Joe Flacco is a dad at the park pic.twitter.com/Z9fOVaiWWZ

— Nico (@elitetakes_) October 13, 2024

It's important to remember that ARich missed nearly all of his rookie season due to injuries. In terms of experience, he's in the midst of what should be treated as a rookie season. He wasn't a polished thrower coming out of college, so rough patches are to be expected. His upside is massive, though. Flacco is a good QB, but the former Gator is the future.

Anthony Richardson with a missile to Josh Downs on 3rd down 🚀 pic.twitter.com/dI30EY2SMd

— Colts Militia (@coltsmilitia_) October 8, 2023

It would be nonsense to bench the future of your franchise. He will start when he's back, which is likely to be in Week 7.

Monday updates from Colts HC Shane Steichen:

1) Anthony Richardson, "when healthy, is our quarterback," he said.

2) AR will play in Week 7 "unless there's a setback."

3) Opening DeForest Buckner's practice window is under discussion. He is now eligible to return.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 14, 2024

Anthony Richardson Fantasy Football Outlook

It's reasonable to expect more rough outings from the second-year pro, but he should still be rostered even in 1QB leagues with benches that can accommodate backup quarterbacks. His rushing upside and Howitzer of an arm in elite offensive coordinator Shane Steichen's offense is tremendous. He also has great receivers.

Josh Downs is basically tied with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Brian Thomas Jr. in fantasy points per game

he is the Colts most important WR

chain mover. space finder. pic.twitter.com/PzB2iERFoB

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) October 14, 2024

It won't always be pretty, but with some time, he could hit his stride, and return to the elite fantasy option he was in 2023 before he went down for the season. He's better off on the bench until he starts showing more consistency, though.

More Fantasy Football Analysis