In the third quarter of the Indianapolis Colts’ eventual loss to the Houston Texans, quarterback Anthony Richardson exited the game for one play.
At the time, it was unknown why Richardson was on the sidelines for a third down play, but after the game he explained:
“I was tired. I ain’t gonna lie,” said Richardson via ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “That was a lot of running right there. I didn’t think I was going to be able to go that next play, so I was just saying I just needed a break.”
Colts QB Anthony Richardson on the late third quarter sequence when he took himself out of the game:
"I was tired. I ain't gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there. I didn't think I was going to be able to go that next play, so I was just saying I just needed a break."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 27, 2024
To see Richardson’s response, watch below:
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson on how he sees himself as a passer in the NFL:
“I feel like I’m a great passer. I’ve been playing QB pretty much my whole life. I’m just a different QB than everybody else. So, people gonna try to point out that I’m not as efficient …” pic.twitter.com/CCZYZ84xGm
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 27, 2024
Down 10-20, the Colts had worked their way down to the Houston eight yard line. However, a false start on 2nd-and-goal would bump them back to the 13. On the ensuing play, a touchdown throw to Alec Pierce was nullified with Pierce being penalized for offensive pass interference.
Now facing 2nd-and-goal from the 23 yard line, Houston linebacker Jake Hansen sacked Richardson at the line of scrimmage. This then put the Colts at 3rd-and-goal at the 23 yard line.
It was before that third down play that Richardson would tap his helmet, indicating that he needed to be replaced. Joe Flacco would enter the game and handed the ball off to Jonathan Taylor for five yards.
The drive concluded with kicker Matt Gay making the 37-yard field goal attempt.
“He needed a breather,” said Shane Steichen. “He ran three times in a row and it was third and long, so we were going to hand the ball off.”
The Colts would make the game close late, but overall it was a rough showing for Richardson and the Indianapolis passing game. Richardson finished the game 10-for-32 passing for 175 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Of Richardson’s 175 yards through the air, 94 of them came on two completions to Josh Downs.