The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with injuries to two of their biggest stars. Quarterback Anthony Richardson has been dealing with an oblique injury, and running back Jonathan Taylor has been dealing with an ankle injury. The hope was that both could suit up against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, and the team has now made a decision.
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According to Adam Schefter, “Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been cleared to start Sunday’s game.”
“Colts HC Shane Steichen has ruled out RB Jonathan Taylor for Sunday’s game vs. the Dolphins.”
The good news is that Richardson is a full go and will be starting on Sunday. The bad news is Taylor will miss another week.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown with Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Colts rule out Jonathan Taylor, but Anthony Richardson will start.
Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Richardson has been trending back to starting, and though Joe Flacco has been solid during his time filling in — the Colts are allowing their dynamic dual-threat quarterback to get the start. The hope this week is that Richardson learns not to run and place himself in danger.
Taylor has been dealing with a high ankle sprain, and that injury can sometimes take weeks to fully recover from. Despite also working his way back to starting, the Colts are instead ensuring that he is fully healthy before taking the field again.
It’s always better to allow stars to fully heal from injuries such as ankle sprains, and practically anything. Taylor is vastly important to the Colts’ offense, so they will need to plan for him to be healthy later on in the season.
So far, the Colts are 3-3 on the year and still looks like they can make a run at the playoffs. As stated, Flacco has played well in place of Richardson. Should the young quarterback suffer another injury, the seasoned veteran will be ready to step in.
Flacco has posted 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception through three games. His performance has echoed his time with the Browns in 2023, where he helped the team get to the playoffs.
Richardson, however, is the Colts’ starter. When he is healthy, he is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. He can lob the ball 70 yards down the field, while also running for 70 yards. The constant issue with him is the hard running that he does, which causes injury.
Richardson is best when he can rifle off a big throw or make a play with his legs, but he still needs to find a way not to allow those runs to place him in danger. That is easier said than done, but he has missed too much time from taking big shots.
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