The Indianapolis Colts announced their inactive players ahead of today’s 1 PM EST matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars:
"QB Andrew LuckCB Greg TolerRB Tyler VargaDT T.Y. McGillOT Denzelle GoodOG Todd HerremansTE Dwayne Allen"
Of course, the biggest name on the list is Andrew Luck, who’s missing the 1st start of his NFL career. 17-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck will start in his absence, in a game that should show just how good the Colts roster is without Luck.
Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Todd Herremans (79) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts saw how quickly things fell apart without Peyton Manning in the 2011 season, who missed the entire season because of a neck injury. Here’s hoping that this year’s Colts fare much better without Luck, even if it’s only for hopefully one game against a bottom-feeding team.
Otherwise, Greg Toler is still out with a neck injury, but the secondary will receive a boost as Darius Butler is returning from a hip injury that kept him out last week. Butler figures to start alongside Vontae Davis with Jalil Brown assuming nickelback duties.
Additionally, the team is without tight end Dwayne Allen, who also missed last week’s game because of an ankle injury. Tight end Coby Fleener will be thrusted into the starting lineup with 3rd tight end Jack Doyle likely getting more reps in two tight end sets and at H-back.
As for Todd Herremans, the veteran guard was signed this past offseason to help boost the team’s struggling offensive line. Instead, after starting the 1st two games of the season, he was benched because of poor play last week and is now subsequently inactive:
Colts allowed NFL-high 71 hits on QB last season. Only offseason addition to O-line? Todd Herremans. Benched in Week 3 and inactive today.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 4, 2015
Hasselbeck will likely be looking to get the football out early behind a poor offensive line, and the offense should heavily feature Frank Gore in Luck’s absence.
More from Horseshoe Heroes
- Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
- When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
- Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
- Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
- Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen