Colts QB Anthony Richardson gives bizarre reason for taking himself out of game for one play

Anthony Richardson didn’t want to lie, but maybe he should’ve.

The increasingly polarizing quarterback in Indianapolis temporarily took himself out of the Colts’ game during a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Sunday.

It caused a stiff given that Richardson has already struggled with injuries during his two NFL seasons since being made the No. 5 overall pick in last year’s draft, but after the game, he made an admission.

He was just tired.

“Tired, ain’t gonna lie,” Richardson said, regarding his one-play exit during the third quarter. “That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn’t think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told [head coach Shane Steichen] I needed a break right there.”

Richardson wasn’t tired after just completing 2-for-15 of his pass attempts during the first half, it appeared.

Prior to leaving, Richardson fell awkwardly in the third quarter and was sacked by Texans linebacker Jake Hansen and exited the field temporarily.

Joe Flacco came in the game for a short stint.

Richardson ended the afternoon with 10 completions across 32 passing attempts, throwing one touchdown, one interception and for 175 yards.

Richardson, noted for his running ability, also gained 45 yards on the ground on six carries.

With the loss, the Colts dropped to 4-4 on the season.

Next week, they’ll face the Minnesota Vikings during Sunday Night Football.