Colts rule out Richardson; Flacco up for must-win

The Indianapolis Colts have ruled out quarterback Anthony Richardson ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Richardson had been listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report after not practicing this week with foot and back injuries. Coach Shane Steichen said the back issue was the more pronounced of the two, saying, “He was just sore all week, really sore. So we just stayed smart there.”

Richardson will miss his third game of the season due to injury after being out for two games because of his oblique. Veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco will start in Richardson’s place.

A team source indicated the injury is not expected to prevent Richardson from playing in the Colts’ regular-season finale on Jan. 5.

The Colts remain alive in the playoff race and will still be in contention Sunday if either the Denver Broncos or Los Angeles Chargers lose Saturday. If both teams win, the Colts would be eliminated.