Colts coach Shane Steichen denied that Anthony Richardson removing himself for a breather led to his benching

Sunday’s Week 8 loss to the Texans seemed to be the final straw for the Colts and starting quarterback Anthony Richardson. The No. 4 pick from the 2023 NFL Draft was demoted in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco, and one moment, in particular, fueled questions behind the benching.

As the Colts were driving inside the red zone during the third quarter, Richardson removed himself from the game after a sack on second and goal. The Colts had to settle for a field goal on the drive, and Richardson admitted that he took himself out of the game because he was tired.

Colts coach Shane Steichen was understandably asked if that had anything to do with Richardson’s benching. Steichen denied that it played a part in the decision, but still criticized Richardson for it.

#Colts HC Shane Steichen says Anthony Richardson knows he can’t tap out of a game, even for a play, but that’s NOT the reason he’s been benched for Joe Flacco. pic.twitter.com/3XkubTzWFW https://t.co/LEx5x0a72L

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 30, 2024

Steichen considered the mishap a development moment for Richardson. But even if that wasn’t the reason behind the benching, it couldn’t have inspired much confidence inside that coaching room.

You can’t have a quarterback taking himself out of the game to rest.