Joe Flacco Prepares to Start as Colts Face Giants

As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for their crucial Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants, all eyes are on Joe Flacco, who is set to start if Anthony Richardson is unable to play due to injury. Flacco, now 39 years old, has been called upon once again to guide the Colts as they pursue their playoff aspirations.

Anthony Richardson's Injury Status

Richardson, the young quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, is listed as questionable after missing practice all week due to lingering back and foot injuries. Head Coach Shane Steichen noted that Richardson's back issue is currently the more concerning of the two ailments. If Richardson cannot take the field, Flacco will step in as the starter. Despite his age and the uncertainty surrounding his future, Flacco remains focused on the present, revealing that he doesn't have a set plan for retirement and is simply taking it one game at a time.

“I just try to stay in the moment,” Flacco said. “People ask me all the time, ‘How long do you want to play?’ and I don’t have an answer for them.”

Flacco’s Experience and Past Performances

This potential start marks the 190th of Flacco's 17-season career. While his time as a starting quarterback has faded, he was brought in by the Colts as a mentor to Richardson and has already filled in admirably during critical moments this season. After Richardson suffered a hip injury earlier in the season, Flacco led the Colts to victories against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans—all of which bolstered the team's confidence in him as a viable alternative in case Richardson falters again.

Stats and Performance

In his recent appearances, Flacco has demonstrated decent performance, contributing positively to the Colts' offense despite the challenges. Historically, he has been known for his ability to throw deep, and this experience brings additional stability and leadership to the team. In his appearances so far this season, Flacco's command of the game managed to reduce the turnover issues that plagued the Colts previously, making him a solid option for the coaching staff.

The Colts’ Playoff Push

With only two games left in the season, the Colts need to secure wins to keep their playoff dreams alive. This makes the matchup against the Giants vital. Following a disappointing defeat to the Atlanta Falcons, the Giants are also looking to turn their season around, presenting an opportunity for the Colts to capitalize on a struggling opponent. Flacco’s steadiness could play a crucial role in this effort, especially given the struggles the Giants have faced defensively.

Fantasy Considerations for Colts Players

As the situation unfolds around Richardson's health, fantasy managers must make crucial start-sit decisions ahead of the game. Here’s a quick look at key Colts players:

• Anthony Richardson (QB): Currently questionable. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status but weigh Flacco as a viable option if he plays.
• Jonathan Taylor (RB): A strong choice this week, Taylor has been a standout performer in recent weeks, and he'll likely continue to be a focal point against the Giants.
• Michael Pittman Jr. (WR): With a disappointing season thus far, he remains a riskier play. Fantasy managers may need to take a chance depending on their options.
• Alec Pierce (WR): If Richardson is out, another receiver like Josh Downs could be more of a target under Flacco, providing some value in deeper leagues.

Conclusion

The Colts are facing an uphill battle this weekend, but with Joe Flacco stepping into the spotlight, they will hope to harness his experience and poise. Whether Richardson can return or not, Flacco’s leadership could potentially turn the tide in this important matchup against the Giants. As the Colts press forward in search of playoff positioning, fans and fantasy managers alike will be watching closely to see how the game unfolds.