Colts Inactives: At Titans
The Indianapolis Colts announced their inactive players–although all 7 players were already ruled out previously on Friday:
With Donte Moncrief (shoulder) and Phillip Dorsett (hamstring) out, the Colts will be heavily relying on undrafted rookie wideout Chester Rogers–who played well last week. Otherwise, look for recently promoted fellow undrafted rookie Tevaun Smith and perhaps even 3-year veteran Devin Street to assume the 3rd wide receiver duties.
Oct 2, 2016; London, United Kingdom;Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Jack Mewhort (75) defends against Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) as Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) prepares to take the snap during game 15 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts biggest loss this week may be starting left guard Jack Mewhort (tricep), who’s arguably the team’s best offensive lineman. While the Colts offensive line collectively has struggled in pass protection, Mewhort remains one of the rocks among the unit.
In his absence, expect rookie Joe Haeg to slide over to starting left guard, while veteran Joe Reitz should be re-inserted at starting right tackle.
Meanwhile, the Colts will be without primary tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle) as well. The encouraging news is that Jack Doyle has played very well as the team’s 2nd tight end so far this season. However, the offense figures to miss Allen’s blocking ability most.
Look for both Erik Swoope and even recently re-signed Chase Coffman to play situationally in 2-tight end sets alongside Doyle.
Additionally, the defense will be short-handed along their defensive line. Already without Zach Kerr (ankle) again, the team also has lost Henry Anderson (knee) this week. It comes at an inopportune time, as the Colts are set to face the Tennessee Titans and one of the league’s top rushing attacks featuring workhorse DeMarco Murray.
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) celebrates a tackle for a loss with team mates in the second half of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
While recently reinstated veteran Art Jones will have to step up, the Colts will also be counting on two key rotational defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway and T.Y. McGill for bigger roles.
The Colts will also be without one of their primary rotational pass rushers Curt Maggitt. It’s worth noting that the team claimed outside linebacker Lavar Edwards off waivers earlier this week to bolster their depth at the position.
Nevertheless, the encouraging news is that all four of the ‘questionable’ Colts: CB Darius Butler, S T.J. Green, OG/C Jonotthan Harrison, and WR T.Y. Hilton will be active Sunday.
Hilton’s status was never really in doubt, but having both Butler and Green available in the secondary should be a major boost to a unit that has so far struggled this season.
Harrison’s availability can’t be understated either, as without Mewhort, the Colts could use an additional proven interior offense lineman for depth–should another injury arise.
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