Jaguars vs. Colts: Indianapolis downgrades QB to doubtful

Jaguars vs. Colts: Indianapolis downgrades QB to doubtful

This story was updated to include new information.

The Colts are trending toward deploying their backup backfield against the Jaguars on Sunday.

After ruling starting running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) out and quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip/oblique) questionable on Friday, Indianapolis downgraded Richardson to doubtful on Saturday, making it unlikely he will play against Jacksonville in Week 5.

The Colts also downgraded starting center Ryan Kelly from questionable to doubtful, and added cornerback Samuel Womack III to their injury report with an illness, deeming him questionable for the matchup.

Joe Flacco will start in place of Richardson if indeed the latter can not play. Trey Sermon is set to take over for Taylor at running back.

Indianapolis’ No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, injuries limited Richardson to four appearances during his rookie season, which he has matched this year up until now.

Richardson has completed 89-of-161 passes (55.3%) for 1,231 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 277 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Jaguars fans remember the last time Flacco suited up against Jacksonville, in Week 14 of 2023 for Cleveland with starting quarterback Deshaun Watson out due to a season-ending shoulder injury. Flacco threw for 311 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the Browns’ 31-27 victory.

The 17th-year NFL quarterback has passed for 44,104 yards, 247 touchdowns and 155 interceptions in his 163-game career.