The Indianapolis Colts will once again have the backup quarterback leading the way to close out the 2024 regular season.
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According to the team, starter Anthony Richardson will be inactive against the Jaguars due to a back injury. This is an ailment that kept him out of the lineup last weekend during a 45-33 loss to the Giants. Richardson has not practiced since Week 16.
"Just didn't make enough progress this week with the back," head coach Shane Steichen said as the Colts prepared for the final game of the season.
With Richardson out of the lineup, Joe Flacco will make another start for the Colts. The veteran quarterback has appeared in seven games this season while starting five. He has gone 1-4 in his starts, but he led the Colts to a win over the Steelers after Richardson exited the game due to a hip injury.
The Colts have been eliminated from playoff contention after going 7-9 in the first 16 games. The AFC South will only have one representative in the playoffs — the division-winning Texans. The AFC West and AFC North will each have two representatives in the playoffs.
One of these divisions will potentially have a third representative considering that the Bengals and Broncos are still in the mix heading into Week 18.
The Dolphins of the AFC East also remain in playoff contention. However, starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is unlikely to play this week due to a hip injury.
The Colts and Dolphins are far from the only teams turning to backup quarterbacks due to injuries. The Eagles have ruled out Jalen Hurts as he continues his recovery from a concussion. Backup Kenny Pickett is questionable after exiting last weekend's game with an injury. Tanner McKee is likely to get the start.
The Saints will continue moving forward with Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback. The team ruled out Derek Carr with a fractured hand. His season is over considering that the Saints will not compete in the playoffs.
