Reggie Wayne Expects to Play in Wildcard Round
Dec 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) salutes the fans as runs off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne expects to play this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wildcard round of the playoffs. The Colts 14-year veteran called his groin injury that he suffered in this past Sunday’s win versus Tennessee, a “twinge”.
The beloved Colts wideout injured his groin against the Titans on an 80-yard long reception in the 2nd quarter and did not return. The reception was actually the longest of Wayne’s esteemed NFL career. It beat out a previous career high 71-yard long reception that Wayne had all the way back in 2004.
While Wayne has struggled this season since a Week 7 triceps injury he ironically suffered versus the Bengals, he’s still a veteran presence and a solidifying veteran presence among the Colts’ young wide receivers. His yards after catch and down the field separation ability have nearly vanished, yet Wayne remains one of the battle-tested leaders of the Colts offense. His historically routine sure-hands may payoff come playoff time.
It’s worth noting that last Sunday was actually the first time that Wayne had more than 35+ receiving yards since Week 11 against the New England Patriots, a game in which he had 5 receptions for 91 yards. At age 36, it shows that Wayne may still have enough left in the tank and could be poised for a possible resurgence for at least one last deep playoff run.
On the season, Wayne has 64 receptions for 779 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. If Sunday is any indication, he’ll look to build on that total if the health of his groin allows it.
Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches a pass and rushes to the one yard line against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports