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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is in his de-facto rookie season. Despite being drafted in 2023, Richardson played in just four games before injuries forced him to miss the rest of the season. He looked electric on the field, so it was a sad situation.
This season, injuries are rearing their ugly heads again. Richardson has already dealt with a number of ailments, though luckily, none have been as serious as the season-ender last year. He also hasn't played well - after Week 1, he failed to crack even five fantasy points in a game.
Is Anthony Richardson now hurt or healthy? Will he play in Week 5 or should you start Joe Flacco instead? Let's dive in.
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Is Anthony Richardson Playing In Week 5?
Richardson is officially listed as questionable for the Colts' Week 5 game. He practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week. There haven't been specifics on the exact severity and type of issue he has, but there usually aren't with oblique injuries.
Indianapolis Colts injury update: QB Anthony Richardson practices for third consecutive day https://t.co/oIAmfitMVJ pic.twitter.com/zUrO5N6Ek6
— TheColtsWire (@TheColtsWire) October 4, 2024
Richardson's history of injuries is worrisome and should concern fantasy managers. He seems like a mainstay of the injury report now, and he actually hurt his hip in the Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, though he seems to have recovered from that. He's had games where he's picked up multiple injuries, though.
Richardson owners would be best served to have picked up his backup QB Flacco as a handcuff at some point, and if he's still on waivers, it's probably a good idea, considering ARich's proclivity to get hurt.
Should I Start Joe Flacco for Fantasy Football Week 5?
If Richardson can't go, Flacco is actually a good start. Despite being 39 years old, he can still sling it, and the offense has looked noticeably better and more consistent with him in the lineup. He can run the offense extremely well, likely due to his vast experience, and age isn't a limiting factor for him.
Colts QB Joe Flacco is taking the majority of first-team reps today, per @RomeovilleKid
Richardson suffered a hip injury during last week’s game. pic.twitter.com/qRtJGMHXa4
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 4, 2024
It looks like Flacco is preparing to start the game. It would be odd for him to take the majority of the first-team reps, preparing as if he would be the starter, if Richardson was able to go. It's still possible that he could stay healthy and be able to start the game, but he wouldn't have had as much work with the starters to make that reasonable.
It's a bit of an odd situation, but if Flacco does start, he'll be facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have been shredded by opposing passing attacks this season. The vet is still a high-volume passer, and the Jags have allowed the 2nd most passing yards per game of any team. You can feel comfortable putting the 39-year old in your starting lineups if Richardson is sidelined this week.
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