NFL Starting Quarterback Benched After Week 8 Loss

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NFL Sideline Reporter Laura Rutledge's Best Looks Off The Football Field (1:08)

We officially have an NFL starting quarterback change following Week 8 on Monday.

The Colts are making a change at starting quarterback. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen has decided to bench former first round NFL Draft pick Anthony Richardson. The Colts will be going with veteran backup Joe Flacco.

ESPN's NFL insider, Adam Schefter, first reported the news on Tuesday afternoon.

"A QB change for the Colts: Indianapolis is benching former first-round pick Anthony Richardson and turning to veteran Joe Flacco, sources tell @FowlerESPN and me," he reported. 

"Coaches met this morning and made the seismic organizational decision to change QBs."

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: A general view of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Richardson, while incredibly physically gifted, has been arguably the worst quarterback in the NFL this season.

The former Florida Gators quarterback has thrown for 954 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's completing just 44.4 percent of his passes and his 38.4 QBR ranks No. 27 in the league. 

Richardson had a brutal interception at the end of the first half against the Texans on Sunday. He was 2 for 15 through two quarters of play - mind-blowingly bad.

However, there are still some in the NFL scouting world that believe in him, with some blaming Colts wide receivers for his poor performance.

The Colts, 4-4 on the season, will take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football.

Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. E.T. on Sunday, Nov. 3. The game will be airing on NBC.

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