Colts Injury Report: 3 Starters Declared Out
The Indianapolis Colts will be without 3 of their starters for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle), right tackle Gosder Cherilus (shoulder), and cornerback Greg Toler (concussion) have already been declared “out”.
Sep 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
After suffering an ankle injury in the 2nd quarter of last weekend’s game, Allen did not return. It was speculated that he’d miss at least a week or two, especially with the team signing tight end Weslye Saunders earlier this week for depth. In his absence, Coby Fleener will handle a bigger role in the offense, with Jack Doyle also playing in two-tight end sets.
Greg Toler reported to the team’s practice facility on Monday morning with “major headaches”, and he was later diagnosed as suffering from concussion-like symptoms. Unable to pass the league’s concussion protocool, Toler will have to sit this one out. Filling-in will be cornerback Darius Butler, with Josh Gordy also seeing an expanded role off the bench. Look for Darius Butler to kick inside on nickel packages in the slot with Gordy playing on the outside.
If this were against a stronger opponent, my guess is that Cherilus would still start at right tackle. However, the Colts likely think they can win this one without him, and it’s as good of a time as ever to get him some much-needed rest. Cherilus has struggled in recent games, and there’s speculation that it may be because he’s been battling through some lingering injuries. It’s likely that either Joe Reitz or Xavier Nixon will be starting at right tackle for him on Sunday.
The Colts did get a bit of good news; however, as defensive lineman Arthur Jones was a full participant in practice all week and is officially listed as “probable” for Sunday’s game. He’s largely been out of the lineup with a severe ankle sprain that was suffered in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles and should be a welcome addition in bolstering the defense against the run.