Colts, with renewed confidence in Anthony Richardson, clash with Jets

Thu Nov 14 8:15am ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen has pushed the reset button on second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.

After benching Richardson for veteran Joe Flacco the past two weeks without the desired effect in the win column, Steichen is going back to Richardson for Sunday's trip to East Rutherford, N.J., to battle the New York Jets.

Steichen sat Richardson down after a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Oct. 27. Richardson not only struggled with accuracy in that game (10-of-32 passing), but he also took himself out before a key third-down play in the second half, acknowledging he was tired.

Flacco threw a combined four interceptions in losses to Minnesota and Buffalo, including a pick-six in last week's 30-20 setback to the Bills on Indianapolis' first play of the game. Steichen said Richardson has taken steps in the right direction while serving as QB2.

"He's made strides in that area, big-time strides, becoming a pro's pro," Steichen said. "Is he a finished product? No, he's not, and it's my job to help him get there. He's going to start this week; he's going to start the rest of the season."

Richardson has completed only 44.4 percent of his 133 passes for 958 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's rushed for 242 yards, second on the team, but has fumbled six times in six games.

For his part, Richardson said his brief stint on the bench opened his mind.

"I'm thankful for these past two weeks," he said. "As a competitor, you never want to just be on the sideline. You always feel like there's an opportunity for you to go out there and help the team. But sitting on the sideline just allowed me to look and see certain things I can correct about myself."

If Richardson can make those corrections, the Colts (4-6) still have time to catch Houston, which owns a two-game lead over them in the AFC South. Houston swept the season series between the teams.

While Richardson returns, Aaron Rodgers continues as the New York quarterback in what's shaping up to be a lost year for a franchise that specializes in lost years. Rodgers mirrored his team's struggles in last week's 31-6 loss at Arizona, managing only 151 yards on 22-of-35 passing but losing 23 yards while taking three sacks.

Nevertheless, Rodgers is holding on to hope that the Jets (3-7) can make a run to a playoff spot.

"You know we're not mathematically eliminated," he said. "There's a lot to play for. At the end of the day, one thing we can play for, whether we're 10-0 or 3-7, is pride."

Realistically, New York has played about every card it can to turn things around. It fired coach Robert Saleh after dropping to 2-3 with a Week 5 loss vs. Minnesota but is just 1-4 since installing Jeff Ulbrich as the interim coach. And the acquisition of Davante Adams, Rodgers' favorite target during his days in Green Bay, hasn't helped, either.

Even the reliable defense had trouble in Arizona. The Jets gave up 406 total yards and 28 first downs.

"A criminal, egregious amount of missed tackles," Ulbrich said.

The Jets ruled out starting left tackle Tyron Smith (neck), linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) and offensive lineman Jake Hanson (hamstring) for Sunday's game. Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (knee) and wide receiver Davante Adams (wrist/illness), were listed as questionable. Adams was a full participant on Friday and is expected to play, Ulbrich said.

The Colts ruled out one player, offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee), who missed practice all week. Linebacker E.J. Speed (knee), who was limited on Wednesday and Thursday but a full participant on Friday, is questionable.

Indianapolis owns a 44-32 lead in the all-time series, including the postseason. The Colts earned a 45-30 victory in the teams' most recent matchup -- on Nov. 4, 2021.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Baker Mayfield Dec 1 3:10pm ET
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee, foot) is officially active for Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Wirfs returns from a one-game absence and will be tasked with protecting Baker Mayfield's blindside in this divisional battle on Sunday.

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Calvin Austin III Dec 1 3:10pm ET
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return on Sunday. The speedy wideout took a few big hits but didn't have to leave the game until the third quarter. Van Jefferson and Mike Williams will have to step up alongside George Pickens to fill in the gap. The backfield could get more involved in the passing game as well.

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DeVonta Smith Dec 1 3:10pm ET
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Smith went through a thorough pregame workout, and although it was reported that he wanted to play, the Eagles will ultimately hold him out Sunday. Smith's absence should lead to additional opportunities for A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert, and Jahan Dotson in the passing game.

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Evan Engram Dec 1 2:40pm ET
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Correcting a previous report, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram actually remained in the game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Engram was flagged for retaliating against Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for delivering a dirty hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence that knocked him out of the game. Engram was not, however, ejected from the game. Al-Shaair and cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected instead. Quarterback Mac Jones will be under center while Engram tries to get some revenge in the scoring department.

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Trevor Lawrence Dec 1 2:40pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (head/concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. As he tried to slide for a first down, Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a cheap shot straight to Lawrence's head. The Jaguars retaliated for the dirty hit while Lawrence had to be carted off the field and will be tested for a concussion. Mac Jones has taken over under center for the rest of the game.

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Trevor Lawrence Dec 1 2:30pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ejected after he retaliated against Aziz Al-Shaair for a dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence. Al-Shaair delivered a big hit straight to Lawrence's head when he slid for a first down. Engram went after the linebacker and was later ejected for fighting and Lawrence had to be carted off the field. That means he'll finish the game with one catch for three yards, and Brenton Strange will step up as the next tight end.

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Bryce Young Dec 1 1:40pm ET
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According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are pleased with the recent progression of quarterback Bryce Young. As a result, Carolina isn't expected to select a quarterback "early" in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old struggled to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Although he still has a long way to go, he has at least thrown for over 224 yards in two of his previous four appearances. With that in mind, Young's job is far from secure. But as long as he continues to show improvement, it appears he'll remain under center. Still, the signal-caller has work to do before earning a consistent spot in fantasy lineups.

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Jamal Adams Dec 1 1:20pm ET
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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent safety Jamal Adams will sign with the Lions. He'll be added to the practice squad. However, Schefter indicated that there's an "idea he'll be elevated to Detroit's roster." The multi-time Pro Bowler agreed to a contract with the Titans in July. But he played sparingly in Tennessee and was released in October. Adams has appeared in 83 regular-season games for the Jets, Seahawks, and Titans throughout his career, totaling 498 tackles with 21.5 sacks and four interceptions. Granted, he is no longer the player he once was. Still, his presence will at least add another veteran voice for a team looking to win a Super Bowl.

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D.J. Chark Dec 1 12:30pm ET
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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark is officially active for Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. This is noteworthy given that Chark missed the early portion of the season due to a hip injury and has been a healthy scratch on numerous occasions since being activated from injured reserve. In fact, he has only been on the field for one offensive snap this season and has failed to log a target. Moving forward, he remains buried behind Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and Jalen Reagor on the depth chart.

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Nick Herbig Dec 1 12:20pm ET
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This was widely expected given that he entered the weekend listed as doubtful. Highsmith is now set to miss his third consecutive game and sixth game this season. Through the six contests for which he has been healthy, the 27-year-old has 19 tackles and three sacks. He'll be replaced by Nick Herbig on the defensive side of the ball.

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Logan Wilson Dec 1 12:10pm ET
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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices leading up to this weekend. Wilson had previously appeared in all 11 games this season, totaling 104 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Joe Bachie should earn more defensive snaps for the duration of Wilson's absence.

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Charlie Jones Dec 1 12:10pm ET
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Charlie Jones (groin) and Trenton Irwin (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones had been listed as doubtful after being sidelined during practice on Friday, and he's now set to miss his fourth consecutive game. Meanwhile, Irwin had not been on the injury report but is a healthy scratch once again. As a result, Isaiah Williams and Jermaine Burton should earn additional snaps.

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Sam Eguavoen Dec 1 12:00pm ET
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New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. He had been listed as questionable and was a true game-time decision. Although Mosley logged two full practices Wednesday and Thursday, he was downgraded to a non-participant Friday, casting real doubt on his status for Sunday's game against Seattle. Chazz Surratt and Sam Eguavoen should earn more defensive snaps in Mosley's absence.

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Tyjae Spears Dec 1 12:00pm ET
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Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has cleared protocol and is officially active for Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Washington Commanders. The 23-year-old has missed four games due to injury this season, but he gets involved when healthy, playing more than one-third of the Titans' offensive snaps. He should carve out a dual-threat role once again this week, but he's not worth starting in 12-team leagues given the Titans' tendency to lean on Tony Pollard out of the backfield.

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Alec Pierce Dec 1 11:50am ET
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (foot) is officially active for Sunday's Week 13 game against the New England Patriots. Pierce had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The 24-year-old will take on an expanded role as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver behind Michael Pittman Jr. given that Josh Downs (shoulder) is inactive. Pierce typically operates as a deep-threat option within Indianapolis' offense, catching eight passes for 194 yards and one touchdown over the last three weeks. He should be viewed as a low-end WR3/FLEX option in fantasy football with Downs sidelined.

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Trevor Lawrence Dec 1 11:50am ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable, and while head coach Doug Pederson acknowledged Lawrence wouldn't be 100 percent, the expectation was that he would be able to play. His return to the lineup gives the Jaguars a break from Mac Jones, who delivered zero touchdowns and four interceptions as the team's fill-in starter. Lawrence should be treated as a mid-range fantasy QB2 this Sunday.

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Emari Demercado Dec 1 11:50am ET
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Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder), who was listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 13 contest in Minnesota against the Vikings on Sunday, is officially active. Demercado was limited in practice all week but will be active on Sunday as they Cardinals look to bounce back in a hostile environment after dropping a big game to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last week. The 25-year-old shouldn't be in any starting fantasy lineups in Minnesota as the RB3 in Arizona behind James Conner and rookie Trey Benson. Demercado has had more than two touches in only four of his 11 appearances in 2024. The former TCU product will only be worth a waiver-wire pickup if one of Conner or Benson gets hurt and misses time. Demercado has only 21 carries for 211 yards and one TD in his second year in the NFL.

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Keilan Robinson Dec 1 11:50am ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 13, leaving rookie Keilan Robinson in line to make his NFL debut as the team's No. 3 running back. Robinson, a rookie out of the University of Texas, was activated from injured reserve last week. Although he is suiting up for his first time as a Jaguar, Robinson could have trouble earning snaps behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. On the other hand, Johnson's de-activation comes as a bit of a surprise. He had been a valuable contributor in his depth role, totaling 117 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards through 11 games.

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Xavier Hutchinson Dec 1 11:50am ET
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Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder) is inactive for Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. The 24-year-old has operated in a strictly depth role this season, but he did earn some extra opportunities during the respective absences of Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs (knee). All in all, through 12 games this season, Hutchinson had caught seven of his 18 targets for 70 yards through the air. The second-year receiver is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown. John Metchie III and Robert Woods figure to earn extra snaps with Hutchinson shelved for Week 13.

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Marshon Lattimore Dec 1 11:50am ET
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Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) will have to wait yet another weak to make his debut with the team, as the Commanders officially ruled him out of Sunday's Week 13 contest against the visiting Tennessee Titans. Lattimore was listed as doubtful to play this weekend, so it doesn't come as a surprise. The 28-year-old veteran defensive back was acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints back on Nov. 5 but he has yet to suit up for Washington in a game. The good news is that he put in three limited practices this week, so he could be inching closer to his Commanders debut. The team is on bye in Week 14, so the earliest Lattimore can make his Commanders debut now will come in Week 15 when they take on the New Orleans Saints. Lattimore was acquired to help improve a struggling secondary in D.C.

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