Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

According to Mike Chappell of FOX 59, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson "didn't make enough progress this week." The former fourth-overall selection sat out last weekend with this same injury and could not practice all week. Through his sophomore campaign, the Florida product appeared in 11 games and missed time with other injuries and due to being benched. Across this span, he averaged an underwhelming 164.9 passing yards per game with 45.4 rushing yards per game. He tallied 14 total touchdowns while averaging 19.0 PPR points per game. As a result, veteran Joe Flacco will be given the starting nod in the final game of the regular season. He is a viable high-end QB2 facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) is still not practicing on Friday and has now missed six days overall (four straight practices and two more estimated practices) due to pretty serious back spasms that kept him sidelined for the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. Richardson said he was feeling much better this week, but with the Colts being eliminated from the playoffs with their loss last week, it's unlikely that the team would throw Richardson out there in Sunday's regular-season finale against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars if he's not 100 percent. If he's ruled out on Friday, veteran Joe Flacco would make a second straight start in a friendly matchup for fantasy purposes. Richardson, the fourth overall pick last year, continues to be injury-prone early in his career and did not have the second-year breakout that many were predicting in 2024.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert has barely seen any action since being traded by the Chicago Bears in November. He's appeared in seven games for the Bengals this season. However, he has only eight carries for 45 yards and one catch for seven yards to show for it. But with Chase Brown (ankle) questionable for the Week 18 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Herbert may take over as the No. 1 option out of the backfield. The 26-year-old was once one of the most promising young backs in the National Football League, giving him some upside on Saturday. Still, his presence in any fantasy lineup isn't without risk.

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.