Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson briefly missed out in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans. Although his reasons for leaving were unknown at the time, Richardson said in his post-match media conference that he was “tired”.

“Tired, that’s not going to lie,” Richardson said. “That was right there where I was running a lot and I didn’t think I would make the next game. So I just told (head coach Shane Steichen) I needed a break right there.”

Just before leaving the field, Richardson fell awkwardly during a third-quarter scramble and was sacked by Texas linebacker Jake Hensen. He then knelt and tapped his helmet, indicating that it needed to be replaced.

Backup quarterback Joe Flacco took Richardson’s place and took a third-down snap in the third quarter. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, the drive resulted in a 37-yard field goal by Colts kicker Matt Gay.

Richardson had a dismal first half against the Texans, completing just two of 15 pass attempts and accumulating 81 yards. One of those two completions was a wide-open 69-yard touchdown to wide receiver Josh Downs.

Less than a minute before halftime, Richardson threw a costly interception against Houston safety Jalen Pitre, sending the Texans deep into Indianapolis territory. Texas quarterback CJ Stroud made light work of the possession, throwing a ball to receiver Tank Dell for a touchdown and giving Houston a 17-10 halftime lead.

Despite his struggles, Richardson remained on the field as the starting quarterback in the second half. He finished the game 10-for-32 passing for 175 yards.

The Colts scored a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to get within one point of the Texans. A Stroud fumble recovered by Indianapolis gave the Colts a chance to score, but the team was forced to punt. The Colts had another possession, but Richardson was sacked and fumbled the ball as time expired, sealing Houston’s 23-20 win.

The loss leaves Indianapolis at 4-4 so far this season.