Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been dealing with significant back issues that prevented him from participating in Week 17. During a recent media session, Richardson elaborated on the severity of his condition, noting that he has faced back problems intermittently for many years, yet stated, 'it's never been this severe.' He described the extent of his discomfort, mentioning that he struggled to stand and was often 'crawling around' his home due to the pain associated with even the simplest tasks.

In the Colts' recent matchup against the New York Giants, which resulted in a 45-33 defeat, Richardson was sidelined, leaving veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to take the helm. Flacco completed 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. On Wednesday, Richardson revealed the results of an MRI that identified a disc issue in his back, shedding light on the reason behind his acute flare-up. He remains optimistic about the possibility of playing in the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With a current record of 7-9, the Colts have already been eliminated from playoff contention. However, securing a victory in their final game would provide a positive note to conclude the season. For Richardson, it is crucial to leave a favorable impression, especially considering the inconsistency noted in his performance this year. In 11 games, he has recorded 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and twelve interceptions, executing just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Richardson is perceived as the likely starter for the upcoming season, although concerns regarding his durability have arisen. After starting in only four games during his rookie year and missing two weeks due to injury in 2024, chronic back problems may pose a long-term challenge for his ongoing career.