2. Left tackle Bernhard Reimann is in the concussion protocol.
Steichen said Raimann, the Colts’ starting left tackle, came in Monday morning with symptoms and entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. That doesn’t mean Ryman will or won’t play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings — it’s very early in the week, and concussion recovery isn’t always predictable — but it’s notable given the Colts’ upcoming opponent.
The Vikings enter Week 9 with a knockdown rate of 18 percent (sacks + QB hits/drops), the fourth-highest in the NFL, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores has called the blitz on 50.8 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps, the highest. In the league. .
If Ryman’s symptoms don’t subside and he can’t pass the protocol, look for rookie third-round pick Matt Goncalves or 2023 fourth-round pick Blake Freeland to get the nod at left tackle.
Raimann in 2024 has Pro Football Focus’ ninth-best overall grade (81.9) among offensive tackles, and is one of 10 tackles to play at least 320 snaps and not be penalized more than once.
3. There were bright spots for the Colts offense in the second half.
The Colts held the ball 23-13, with 12:21 remaining in the game — and Richardson put together his best shot of the afternoon.
Richardson completed passes to Pittman for 16 yards and Downs for 13 yards to move the Colts into Texans territory, then facing third-and-6 on the Houston 36-yard line, Richardson ripped a throw over middle receiver to wide receiver Alec Pierce for an 11-yard gain.
Richardson then took snaps in the end zone on the next three plays. The first, intended for Pittman, was broken up by cornerback Kamari Lassiter. In the second, Tyler Goodson appeared open in the end zone but dropped Richardson’s pass on goal.
Then, on the third, Richardson made contact with wide receiver Josh Downs, with the play initially ruled a touchdown (upon review, the ball was placed on the one-yard line). The Colts worked that play during practice this week, and Richardson’s primary read was Pierce – who ran a post, but safety Kallen Bullock stayed home, taking the read away. Instead, Downs quickly opened up on the reporter’s coverage, and Richardson got off Pearce and fired a throw to Downs, who made a stunning shot as he fell to the ground.
That drive completed a stretch of possession to start the second half in which Richardson completed seven of 11 passes for 80 yards, while running back Jonathan Taylor rushed 11 times for 69 yards (6.3 yds/attempt) and Richardson produced 22 yards on four rushes, one of which was a pick-and-roll play. Downs who gained 13 yards (which was credited to Downs).
Richardson on those possessions completed all six of his passes that either crossed the line of scrimmage or traveled between 1-19 yards beyond the line of scrimmage (short/intermediate throws); It was one of seven attempts in the first half, including an interception.
The Colts are “evaluating everything” regarding Richardson as their starting quarterback, including how if he continues at QB they can make things easier for him, leading to the type of efficiency he showed on these three drives.
“We’re dissecting everything and evaluating everything,” Steichen said. “Running the ball better, putting him in simpler situations, getting the ball out of his hands quicker so he doesn’t back down, sitting there. We’re constantly evaluating that. But we’ve got to be better there.”
However, part of the second-half stretch was Richardson coming out of the game to play third-and-goal from the 23-yard line. Richardson said Sunday that he was “tired,” which prompted him to remove himself from the play. On Monday, both Steichen and center Ryan Kelly said they had conversations with Richardson about his decision.
“I think he knows that’s not the level he needs to be playing to the rest of the team, and I’ll leave the conversation we had at that time,” Kelly said. “I’m sure he’ll take criticism for that, and rightfully so. That’s a harsh, harsh look. But he’s also out there giving everything he can for his team, and it’s not always pretty sometimes. You know, there’s been a lull offensively in the last few weeks.” I had a hard time getting going at times. I thought we did some good things in the game, but if anyone wonders how hard he played, I don’t think that’s the case if you watch his film. He definitely didn’t move the ball effectively at times, but he… He gives everything for his teammates, I’m sure it’s a learning moment for him, and let’s leave it at that.”
