Joe Flacco has started four games in place of Anthony Richardson this season. The Colts quarterback could start another this week.
If he does, there is a chance it could be the final start of Flacco’s career.
While Flacco has given no indication he plans to retire, he is 39.
“I just try to stay in the moment,” Flacco said, via Joel Erickson of the Indy Star. “People ask me all the time, ‘How long do you want to play?’ and I don’t have an answer for them.”
The Colts haven’t ruled out Richardson, who didn’t practice this week with back and foot injuries. But Flacco is preparing to start and getting all the first-team reps this week has readied him for the 190th start of his career.
“For me, at least, you’re able to go out there and get some practice reps that make you feel a little more comfortable going into the game,” Flacco said.
Flacco has hinted that he will play as long as a team wants him. He didn’t get an opportunity last season until late in the year when the Browns signed him. His play in six starts, including a wild-card playoff game, prompted the Colts to sign him in the offseason as the backup to Richardson and a mentor for the young quarterback.
“I just try to stay in the moment,” Flacco said. “People ask me all the time, ‘How long do you want to play?’ and I don’t have an answer for them.”
He has played 17 seasons. It remains to be seen whether he will make it to 18.
