Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been downgraded to out for his team's road game against the New York Giants on Sunday with back and foot injuries.

Joe Flacco, who had been taking first-team reps this week during practice, will start in his place, per James Boyd of The Athletic.

Richardson was benched for two weeks earlier this season in favor of Flacco, but head coach Shane Steichen said ahead of Week 11 that Richardson would serve as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Richardson responded by leading the Colts on two 70-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drives in a Week 11 win over the New York Jets.

He continued to play well in Week 12 despite the offensive line leaving him relatively exposed in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

After missing 13 games of his rookie season with a concussion and a shoulder injury, health has continued to be an issue for Richardson in his second NFL campaign.

After suffering an oblique injury that sidelined him for most of Week 4, Richardson missed two more games in Weeks 5 and 6.

Flacco was most successful as Richardson's replacement over that early stretch, throwing seven touchdowns and one interception while leading the Colts to two wins in three appearances.

The Colts will likely look to adapt to Flacco's relatively limited mobility by providing him with plenty of protection in the pocket.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis hopes Richardson is able to return as soon as possible so he can continue his development as a potential franchise quarterback.

ESPN's Stephen Holder reported in November that Richardson losing the starting role earlier this season was, at least in part, part of Steichen's effort to push him to spend more time preparing for the job.

After Richardson showed improvement following the benching, the Colts will hope the former No. 4 pick's development can continue when he is back on the field.