While the Colts are benching Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco, they don't plan on it being permanent.

That's according to ESPN's Stephen Holder, who noted Tuesday that a team source explained that Indianapolis wants Richardson to take a step back, take a break from the everyday pressures of being the starter and try to grow.

“We're not giving up on Anthony” Holder's source told him. “That will be the story, but that’s not the case.”

Richardson, Holder added, is “pretty devastated” by the news, but the team believes he will handle it like a pro. The club has no concerns about this.

When the Colts selected Richardson No. 4 overall last year, they wanted him to gain experience by playing. The thought was that while there might be growing pains, Richardson might be able to overcome them once he was on the field.

But Richardson was only able to play in four games last year and has also missed this season due to injury.

He then sparked some controversy when he admitted he retired during Sunday's game due to fatigue.

In six starts in 2024, Richardson has completed just 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In his four appearances, Flacco posted a 65.7 percent completion rate with 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception.