INDIANAPOLIS – Anthony Richardson revealed Wednesday he’s been dealing with back issues since he was in eighth grade, though the spasms never had been as severe as they were last week.

The pain became so intense the Indianapolis Colts quarterback was unable to move for a time on Christmas Eve. An MRI revealed a disc injury might have helped trigger the most recent incident, but Richardson is working tirelessly to make himself available for Sunday’s season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I never viewed it as a problem,” Richardson said of the back issues. “I just thought it was more so just muscle tightness from just working out and running a lot. It might be chronic, but there’s plenty of ways to prevent it going on in the future. Now that I know what it is, I can find certain ways to stay out of certain positions – just make sure I’m healthy, 100%.”

The Colts (7-9) did not practice Wednesday, holding only a walk-through at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, but Richardson was estimated as a non-participant on the daily injury list.

It remains unclear whether he or veteran Joe Flacco will be under center against Jacksonville (4-12).

Availability remains a major concern for Richardson, who has missed 16 games because of four separate injuries over two seasons since being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

And, though Indianapolis has been eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight year, there is a desire for the 22-year-old to get more reps Sunday if possible.

Richardson has proven to be special as a runner, particularly in the red zone. He set single-season records for rushing yards (499) and touchdowns (6) by a quarterback in just 11 games this year.

But he’s struggled to find similar success consistently in the passing game.

Richardson’s 47.7% completion rate is the lowest in the NFL for a regular starter since another former Florida quarterback – Tim Tebow – completed 46.5% of his passes in 2011. And Richardson has thrown 12 interceptions with just eight touchdown passes.

When Richardson does connect with his receivers, it tends to be for big plays. He leads the league with an average of 14.4 yards per completion.

“He’s had some great moments, I tell you what,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. “He really has. Obviously, the injuries have been not great. Obviously, we want him out there all the time, but he has shown signs of greatness out there. He’s done some really good things.

“But you continue to grow and develop as a young player. Last year he played whatever, four games it was, and this year he’s been banged up a little bit. But you can see the flashes of what it can be, for sure.”

Richardson understands the need to be more efficient in the passing game.

His elite athleticism gives him an MVP-caliber ceiling. But he won’t reach those heights until he can consistently make the routine plays required on a weekly basis.

“I feel like that’s one area in my game that I can grow a lot in – just taking the easy completions, taking the checkdowns when I can and just moving the ball down the field so the offense can stay on the field and we can put up points.” Richardson said. “I feel like that’s something I’m going to be looking forward to this offseason and making sure I’m being accurate with every pass, especially short, intermediate stuff.”

That’s a big picture view.

In the short term, Richardson just wants to finish the season on the field with his teammates.

The Colts fell short of their goals this season on and off the field, and changes are inevitable.

The chance to go out one last time with this group and end a disappointing season with a win is enough for Richardson to keep pushing in rehab this week.

“God willing, if I’m able to go out there with my teammates this week, it’s just great to finish off the season with a victory because that’ll just instill some confidence in us going into the offseason,” Richardson said. “Just find some ways to fine-tune certain things and just get better as players and just get better for the organization.”

INJURY REPORT

Richardson was the only player on the 53-man roster estimated as a non-participant Wednesday.

Cornerback JuJu Brents (knee), wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle), left guard Quenton Nelson (ankle) and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) were listed as full participants.

Offensive tackle Walker Little (ankle) did not practice for Jacksonville.

Offensive guard Ezra Cleveland (knee), linebacker Ventrell Miller (ankle), safety Darnell Savage (concussion) and offensive guard Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder) were limited.