INDIANAPOLIS – It’s no stretch to suggest Sunday could be the biggest start of Anthony Richardson’s career.

It’s not a large sample size. The 1 p.m. kickoff at the Houston Texans will mark just the 10th NFL start for the Indianapolis Colts’ 22-year-old quarterback.

But the stakes are significant for Week 8.

A win ties Indianapolis (4-3) for first place in the AFC South and changes the complexion of this season.

A loss gives Houston (5-2) a two-game lead and a tiebreaker advantage, while the Colts enter the toughest stretch of their campaign.

Richardson isn’t downplaying the importance of the mid-season matchup.

“It’s definitely on our mind, but honestly we’re not thinking about trying to tie records or anything like that,” he said. “Honestly, (we’re) just trying to win. It’s a division game. This one counts double for us. So we’re just trying to get the dub and just keep stacking each and every week.”

The second-year quarterback is coming off a rough showing in last week’s 16-10 win against the Miami Dolphins.

He completed just 10 of his 24 pass attempts for 129 yards but rushed 14 times for 56 yards and wasn’t sacked despite facing heavy pressure.

Richardson was 4-of-5 with the game on the line in the fourth quarter, and head coach Shane Steichen said the signal-caller has handled the growing pains well throughout the season.

“His preparation, his work ethic has been tremendous,” Steichen said. “There’s going to be ups and downs through an NFL season, and it’s how you handle that adversity and fight through those things.

“But, shoot, we’re finding ways to win. It wasn’t the prettiest thing last week from any of us, and we found a way to win. So that’s what we’re trying to get done.”

Staying healthy also is a major focus for Richardson.

He’s already made more starts this season (five) than he did as a rookie in 2023 (four). But he missed two weeks with an oblique injury suffered in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29.

Nine of his rushing attempts against the Dolphins came in the second half with the Colts attempting to rally from a 10-3 deficit, and his total carries and rushing yards were season highs.

But Richardson said he came through that contest well from a physical standpoint.

“Surprisingly, I felt real good,” he said. “The only thing that was really bothering me was my foot. I guess I was running a lot, so my foot wasn’t used to that. But other than that, everything else felt good.

“Just learning how to get down – take care of myself for the team. It all felt good. So (there was) really no pain, honestly.”

Reps remain of the utmost importance for Richardson.

He’s completed just 48.5% of his passes this year and has thrown six interceptions and lost one fumble.

But Indianapolis knew there were going to be ups and downs as the youngster adjusts to the pro game, and the Colts have managed to win three of his five starts.

The ability to stay on the field is imperative to his growth.

“Like I said early in the season, we’re just trying to look for growth week in and week out,” Steichen said. “I think he’s played nine games in the NFL now and going into another one with an opponent that he’s went against, so it’s good. He’s seeing some familiar faces. So, (I’m) excited for Sunday for him.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) and linebacker Cameron McGrone (elbow) were designated to return from injured reserve and opened their 21-day windows to be activated to 53-man roster. Buckner was a limited participant, and McGrone practiced in full.

Running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) also returned as a limited participant after a three-week absence.

Linebacker E.J. Speed (knee), who missed Sunday’s win against Miami, was a full participant.

Wide receiver Josh Downs (groin/toe), center Ryan Kelly (calf), wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and right tackle Braden Smith (knee) continue to do maintenance on their injuries. None participated in Wednesday’s practice.

Defensive end Genard Avery (foot), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder) and cornerback Chris Lammons (ankle) also did not participate. Carlies was injured against the Dolphins, and Lammons missed the game.

Wide receiver Ashton Dulin (knee) also appeared on the report as a full participant.

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), wide receiver Steven Sims (back), safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) did not practice for Houston.

Defensive end Will Anderson (chest), defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (shoulder), cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder), linebacker Henry To’o To’o (concussion) and left tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) were limited.