One of the most bizarre moments of the week took place Sunday in Houston during the Colts-Texans AFC South battle.
During a Colts’ 10-play drive in the third quarter, quarterback Anthony Richardson removed himself from the game, in a key spot, because he was tired.
After the Colts had a touchdown negated by a penalty, Richardson was sacked trying to extend the play on on second and goal. Initially, it looked like Richardson may have left the game due to injury, but he admitted that wasn’t the case.
“Tired, I ain’t going to lie,” Richardson said after the game. “That was a lot of running right there, and I didn’t think I was going to go that next play. I needed a break right there.”
Richardson’s decision to pull himself out of the game, even if only for a play, was unusual.
Although players at other positions — defensive line, running back, wide receiver — often rotate and sometimes check out of a game because they need a breather, it is a rarity for NFL quarterbacks. A team’s starting quarterback typically takes 100% of the snaps if he’s healthy.