Colts demote Anthony Richardson; Joe Flacco starts against Giants

The Indianapolis Colts have ruled out quarterback Anthony Richardson ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Richardson was listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report after not practicing this week because of foot and back injuries. Coach Shane Steichen said the back problem was the more pronounced of the two, saying: “He was just sore, really sore all week. So we just stayed smart.”

A team source said Richardson was dealing with back spasms that were previously undiagnosed.

Richardson will miss his third game of the season due to injury after missing two games due to an oblique injury. Veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco will take Richardson’s place.

According to a source, the injury was not expected to prevent Richardson from participating in the Colts’ regular-season finale.

The Colts remain alive in the playoff race and will still be in the race on Sunday if the Los Angeles Chargers lose on Saturday. The Colts would be eliminated with a Chargers win.