For Colts, Flacco no quick fix at QB

The Colts made their midseason quarterback switch to Joe Flacco from Anthony Richardson with a sole focus on the present, turning to the steady hand and still-strong arm of a 17-year veteran for their best chance to catch the vulnerable Texans in the AFC South. If the Colts can’t find a way to score more than this, the future will be here soon. Flacco had a rough return to the starting role on Sunday night against the Vikings defense, with one interception, three late sacks and just 179 yards on 16-for-27 passing in a 21-13 road loss. The Colts (4-5) only had two field goals to show for their second half. The fumble return TD by Kenny Moore II was the extent of their first-half production. Over their last three games, they’ve totaled three offensive TDs. Coach Shane Steichen took the blame for the offense’s struggles and said he didn’t have any thought of reinserting Richardson during the game and that Flacco would remain the starter for now. The Colts, who host the AFC East-leading Bills (7-2) next week, only ran 49 plays and totaled 227 yards.

Popovich ill, will be out indefinitely

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely while recovering from an illness. Popovich didn’t travel with the team on its current two-game road trip. The Spurs host the Trail Blazers on Thursday. Mitch Johnson will serve as interim coach during Popovich’s absence. Johnson was informed about 2 1/2 hours prior to Saturday’s tipoff against the Timberwolves that the 75-year-old Popovich was unavailable because of an undisclosed illness. “He’s not feeling well,” Johnson said. “I think everybody’s just always got to be ready for the next man up. We’ve had it with injuries and sometimes people get sick or don’t feel well or things come up in life.” It marked the third time Johnson has served as head coach in Popovich’s absence. Former assistants Tim Duncan and Becky Hammon have also served as Spurs head coach because of an illness or medical procedure for Popovich in the last five seasons. Popovich is the NBA’s career leader with 1,390 victories and another 170 postseason wins while winning five NBA titles. He’s in his 29th season, all with the Spurs.

Korda clinches LPGA player of year

Nelly Korda secured her first award for LPGA player of the year on Sunday when it became mathematically impossible for anyone to catch her in the points-based competition. Korda had to skip two tournaments during the Asia swing because of a minor neck injury that limited her practice. Ayaka Furue of Japan would have had to win the rest of the LPGA events to catch Korda. Furue tied for 10th in the Japan Classic. The 26-year-old Korda won six times this year, including a major championship. She won five straight tournaments earlier in the season to tie the LPGA record. This marks the second straight year an American player has won the biggest LPGA award. Lilia Vu won the award in 2023 on the strength of two majors. The last time Americans won LPGA player of the year in successive years was Betsy King in 1993 and Beth Daniel in 1994. Korda, the No. 1 player in the women’s world ranking, still has two tournaments left as she tries to win the Race to CME Globe, which is decided at the season finale Nov. 21-24. —Associated Press