INDIANAPOLIS — Shane Steichen again squashed any hint of a quarterback controversy for the Indianapolis Colts on Monday.

Speaking on his weekly video conference call, the head coach announced “unless there’s a setback,” Anthony Richardson will start Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

The 22-year-old missed the last two games with an oblique injury but was the emergency third-string quarterback during last week’s 20-17 victory at the Tennessee Titans.

Veteran Joe Flacco has filled in ably. He was 22-of-38 for 189 yards with two touchdowns and one interception against Tennessee, and he is completing 65.7% of his throws for 716 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception this season.

The Colts (3-3) are 1-1 in Flacco’s starts.

“Flacco’s a really good player, been playing good ball for us,” Steichen said. “But when Anthony is healthy, he’s our quarterback.”

Richardson came very close to playing at Tennessee.

He practiced on a full-time basis Thursday and was limited Wednesday and Friday as he continues to recover from the injury suffered in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29.

Though brief, the Pittsburgh game was one of Richardson’s most promising showings this season. He was 3-for-4 for 71 yards and carried the ball three times for 24 yards before a collision with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick sent him to the sideline.

It briefly appeared as though Richardson would return during that game, but he was ruled out early in the second quarter. He then was limited in all three practices leading up to an Oct. 6 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Steichen said Flacco’s skill and experience has afforded Indianapolis the luxury of not rushing its starting quarterback back into the huddle.

“He’s really close,” Steichen said of Richardson. “That’s why we had him as our third emergency quarterback, but he should be looking really good this week.”

Richardson has started just eight of 23 career games since being drafted with the fourth overall pick in 2023, and he finished just four of those contests.

As expected, he’s ridden a bit of a roller coaster this season after making just four starts as a rookie last season.

Richardson has completed just 50.6% of his passes, and his six interceptions trail only second-year Titans starter Will Levis (seven) in the league table.

But he has produced a more explosive offense than Flacco. Despite his incompletions and interceptions, Richardson averages nearly 2 yards more per pass attempt than his backup (8.5-6.6) and over 6 yards more per completion (16.8-10.1).

The Colts have maintained Richardson simply needs more time on task to become more efficient and consistent under center.

Injuries have continually hampered that goal.

The decision to start Flacco last week came very late in preparation, with Steichen maintaining Monday the team wanted Richardson to be at 100%.

That stands in stark contrast to the handling of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was facing a potential stint on injured reserve because of a back injury Wednesday but played against the Titans and made the game-winning touchdown catch.

While Pittman played the hero, Indianapolis erred on the side of caution with the franchise quarterback.

“It’s case by case,” Steichen said. “And, honestly, Anthony will touch the ball on every single play. It’s a long season, and we’re six games into this thing. We want to have him for the long haul. So that’s kind of what went into the decision.”

NO WORD ON BUCKNER

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was placed on IR with a high-ankle sprain following a Week 2 loss against the Green Bay Packers.

Monday was the first day the All-Pro was eligible to return to practice.

Whenever that move is made, it will trigger a 21-day window at any point during which the Colts can decide to reinstate Buckner to the 53-man active roster.

Steichen said Monday those discussions were ongoing.

“We’re having those conversations right now,” he said. “So we’ll make that decision here shortly.”

ROSTER MOVE

Indianapolis re-signed kicker Spencer Shrader to the practice squad Monday.

Shrader was on the active roster for the season opener against the Houston Texans on Sept. 8 and made all three of his extra-point attempts.

This is the third time he’s been signed to the practice squad this season.