NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson ‘surprised’ by benching; Wasn’t aware of Colts problems | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Anthony Richardson was reportedly blindsided by the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to bench him heading into a game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night football.

According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Colts felt Richardson was “lacking” in his “game preparation” and in his understanding of the “severity of the task.” It was “more” a factor in his benching compared to his play on the field.

“Whether such expectations were previously communicated to Richardson is less clear,” Holder wrote. “Richardson was surprised by the benching, according to a source close to Richardson, because he did not realize he was deficient in this area.”

Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Wednesday that the team benched Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, in favor of veteran signal caller Joe Flacco.

Indianapolis’ concerns about Richardson’s preparation were likely exacerbated when he revealed that he briefly pulled himself out of the team’s Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans because he was tired.

Despite the defeat Steichen confirmed that Flacco would remain the team’s starter but left the door open for Richardson’s potential return.

“I’m not giving up on Anthony in any way shape or form,” Steichen said, according to Holder. “He is a young player with a lot of talent and he will use this time to further develop and grow as a professional.”

Although he has experienced his fair share of on-field struggles in 2024, Richardson will have to prove himself off the field to return to the top spot on Indianapolis’ depth chart.