Anthony Richardson rumors: Colts QB arrives at work ‘around 5:30’ after benching | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Anthony Richardson is “coming to work early” after being benched as the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

“He got to the team facility around 5:30 a.m. and started early on film study and general game planning ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets,” Holder reported.

Holder also wrote that Richardson would work more regularly with offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. has spoken, which has helped him gain a better understanding of Indianapolis’ pass protection schemes.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday that he will return as the starter for the 2023 first-round pick and plans to keep him there for the rest of the season.

For his part, Richardson said he knows he can’t stop the work behind the scenes, despite Steichen’s show of renewed confidence.

“I was tired, I’m not going to lie,” he said told reporters. “That was a lot of running there. I didn’t think I could do that next play, so I told them I needed a break there.”

That was perhaps the last straw for his grip on the starting gig. Joe Flacco was named the starter going forward, although NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported in early November that the change in quarterbacks came about more “because Flacco has played at such a high level” and that “several sources with knowledge of the thinking of Colts players say they believe this pick was the right one. They wanted Flacco to be the quarterback this year.”

More than anything, Steichen seemed to be sending a message to Richardson. The young signal caller could take nothing for granted and assume that the starting job was his no matter what. He had to keep earning it.

Based on Holder’s report, Richardson heard his coach loud and clear.