Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) didn't have his helmet on and wasn't seen stretching with the other QBs on Thursday, so it's looking like he's in line to miss a second straight practice as the team prepares for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson missed the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants, which eliminated the Colts from the postseason, due to pretty serious back spasms. He has been feeling much better this week, though, and the Colts are hopeful he can play in the final game of the year. However, with two DNPs to open the week, Richardson is far from a lock to be available on Sunday for fantasy managers in an excellent matchup. With many starting QBs resting this weekend, Richardson would have QB1 upside if he's active, but he'd also be a big risk due to a back injury that he's had issues with since high school.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The second-year quarterback noted that his back injury limited him physically last week, and there were times when he couldn't even walk or stand up. He feels better now, though, and said that he'll do everything in his power to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're hopeful [that Richardson plays]. He's working through his rehab and his treatment right now, so we'll see how the week progresses with that." Richardson should rank as a low-end QB1 facing off against a subpar Jaguars defense.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that he's hopeful that quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) will get back from his back spasms in order to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the Colts will see how the second-year signal-caller progresses in practice this week. The Colts are only holding a light walkthrough practice on Wednesday, so the real test will come for Richardson on Thursday. The 22-year-old was held out of the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants due to pretty serious back spasms, but apparently he's feeling better this week and has a shot to play in a meaningless game. If Richardson is active this weekend, he'll have clear QB1 upside in fantasy against Jacksonville's bad defense, but he'll also be at risk of re-injury with his back.UPDATE: Richardson said he's been dealing with a back injury since around eighth grade, but it's never been this severe. He couldn't stand up or walk early last week.

According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts are still unsure if quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) will start in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reported the news. Steichen also noted that the 22-year-old is feeling better on Monday and will start this weekend if he's healthy enough to do so. The second-year pro had been dealing with a foot issue he picked up in Week 16 but has also reportedly been battling back spasms -- the actual reason for his inactive designation versus the Giants. With the entire week to rest before the season's final slate of contests, Richardson will still have a shot at playing. However, his progress over the next few days will be telling of his availability. With Indy officially eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Florida alum miss another outing.

Indianapolis Colts veteran quarterback Joe Flacco wasn't able to really boost rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell's output in the Week 17 upset loss to the New York Giants on the road on Sunday. With Anthony Richardson (back) out, Mitchell only hooked up with Flacco two times on four targets for 22 yards. Flacco being under center has helped boost Indy's pass-catchers in fantasy in the games he's started, but it was Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce who benefitted the most on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in the 45-33 loss, combining for 15 receptions, 231 yards and two touchdowns. The 22-year-old Mitchell has an intriguing skill set for the long term, but he just hasn't had enough opportunities in the Colts' low-volume passing attack with Richardson, who has had his issues with accuracy early in his career. Despite a good matchup in Week 18 against the Jags, Mitchell will be hard to trust in fantasy.