Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor returned in Week 8 after a three-game absence, going over 100 yards rushing with a touchdown, and does not have an injury designation heading into Week 9. Unfortunately for Taylor, it will be hard to keep the momentum going against a stout Minnesota rush defense. The Vikings have held running backs to 83.9 rush yards per game and 3.9 yards per rush attempt, both third-best in the NFL. However, seven different backs have recorded three or more receptions against the Vikings through seven games and Taylor is a capable receiver. In the only game in which he and Joe Flacco played together this season, Taylor garnered four looks from the veteran QB, hauling in three of them for 20 yards. Still, with Minnesota allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, the Colts may prefer to attack with their top wideouts, leaving Taylor as a back-end RB1 for Week 9.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) both logged a full practice on Thursday according to James Boyd of The Athletic. This is a great sign as both wideouts were non-participants during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during Friday's practice in case they face a setback. Pittman has been dealing with this back injury for a few weeks but has not missed any games. Downs has also been dealing with a lingering injury but has also not missed any time due to it. Both wideouts should be viewed as a solid options this weekend as they will face the Minnesota Vikings who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday. Both players have been battling their respective injuries for several weeks and have missed several consecutive Wednesday practices. Neither player was restricted in Week 8 so their lack of activity appears to be related to rest rather than a setback in their injuries. The Colts will need a full complement of wide receivers as they turn to Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback after benching Anthony Richardson this week. Both players have put up solid numbers with Joe Flacco under center for parts of three games in 2024. Downs has especially been a target hog since he first took the field in Week 3. He has earned nine or more targets in four of six games. In three games with Flacco playing a significant amount of snaps, Pittman saw a total of 23 targets. Both players are in a great position to see serious volume as the Colts will likely start to complete a significant amount of passes with Flacco. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of both leading up to the weekend, but for now, there is no cause for concern.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen reported that quarterback Joe Flacco will be the team's starter moving forward. Indianapolis is going all-in on Flacco, who they believe gives them the "best chance to win right now." Steichen also noted they have not given up on second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Evidently, Indy has finally realized what was immediately apparent when Richardson went down with a hip injury in Week 4 -- the veteran QB is far and away the most competent signal-caller on this squad. The 39-year-old will be a massive boon to all Colts' pass-catchers and should help substantiate the offense overall for the remainder of his tenure as the starter. Among the 225 quarterbacks who have dropped back 250-plus times since the year 2000, Richardson ranks 222nd in completion rate (50%).

The Indianapolis Colts have named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco the starter for the Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. This move comes after the continuous struggles of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson despite the belief that he would take time to develop as a raw prospect out of the 2023 draft class. Through Richardson's first 10 starts, he has compiled a 5-5 record while completing just 50.2% of his passes for 1,535 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Flacco led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs in 2023 and has the chance to do the same for Indy in 2024. Flacco has appeared in four games this season, throwing for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. He is now a must-add fantasy option in two-QB and Superflex leagues. His return to the starting lineup should provide a boost for wideouts Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr.