Is Anthony Richardson playing this week? Latest news, injury updates on Colts QB’s status for Week 5 vs. Jaguars

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will take a questionable tag into Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with an oblique injury.

The 2023 No. 4 overall pick left Indianapolis’ Week 4 win over the Steelers due to the ailment and still hasn’t made a full recovery. He logged three limited practices this week, keeping his status in jeopardy for the AFC South showdown.

For the latest updates on Richardson’s hip injury, The Sporting News has you covered below.

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Is Anthony Richardson playing this week?Colts starting quarterback Richardson is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest against the Jaguars with an oblique injury.

Colts are listing QB Anthony Richardson as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Jaguars due to his oblique injury. pic.twitter.com/nofPK77jjt

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2024Richardson was a limited participant at all three of Indianapolis’ practices this week.

Backup quarterback Joe Flacco took “most, if not all, of the first-team reps [on Friday],” per The Athletic’s James Boyd. Richardson sat behind Flacco and watched him throw during the majority of the quarterback drills, Boyd added.

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That is not an encouraging update, to say the least.

Flacco stepped in for Richardson last Sunday, completing 16 of his 26 pass attempts for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Given Flacco’s veteran experience, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Indianapolis waited until its franchise quarterback was fully healthy before sending Richardson back out.

Richardson has had an up-and-down season to this point, throwing for 654 yards, three touchdowns and an NFL-worst six interceptions. He has added 141 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on the ground.

Check back for updates on Richardson’s oblique injury as they become available.

Colts QB depth chartRolePlayerQB1Anthony RichardsonQB2Joe FlaccoQB3Sam Ehlinger1. Anthony RichardsonRichardson is the Colts’ franchise quarterback when healthy.

Indianapolis selected Richardson out of Florida with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but the young star quarterback has had trouble staying healthy. He only appeared in four games as a rookie before suffering a concussion and a sprained MC joint that required season-ending surgery.

An oblique injury forced him to miss the majority of the Colts’ Week 4 win over the Steelers and now it could sideline him for Week 5 as well.

2. Joe FlaccoFlacco will fill in as the Colts’ interim starter until Richardson is healthy enough to return.

Indianapolis signed Flacco to a one-year, $4.5 million contract as one of the more reliable backup quarterbacks in the NFL.

The 17-year veteran and Super Bowl champion had a revitalizing season when he took over as the Browns’ starter last year. He led Cleveland to a 4-1 record, AFC North division title and one playoff win.

Flacco was solid in his first game with the Colts, leading his team to a win over a strong Pittsburgh defense.

3. Sam EhlingerEhlinger has been a backup for the Colts since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Texas.

He’s only played in three games as a starter in four seasons and went 0-3 in those contests. He has 573 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in eight total appearances.

Ehlinger would be the next man in line if Richardson can’t go and Flacco gets injured.

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Anthony Richardson fantasy football outlookGiven the direction that Richardson’s injury and status is trending, it’s best to look for other starting quarterback options in Week 5.

Richardson is a valuable fantasy QB as a dual-threat but it is unlikely he will suit up for the Colts’ matchup with the Jaguars.

The Sporting News’ fantasy football expert Ed Williams has already replaced Richardson (not ranked) for Flacco (QB14) in his Week 5 rankings.

If Flacco is available, he may not be a bad one-for-one swap for Richardson. Especially considering that Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor will also miss Week 5 with an ankle injury, Indianapolis may lean more on the passing game.