Matt Hasselbeck ‘Probable’ for Sunday’s Game Against Texans
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is officially “probable” per head coach Chuck Pagano to start on Sunday in a pivotal divisional game against the Houston Texans:
Pagano: Hasselbeck, Castonzo, Freeman among those who are PROBABLE for Sunday.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 18, 2015
The game could very well likely determine AFC South supremacy, and the automatic playoff bid that comes along with it between two 6-7 divisional rivals. Therefore, the Colts have to be incredibly happy that their trusted backup Hasselbeck should be ready to go on Sunday:
Pagano: Hasselbeck. How has he looked? 'Really good. Very, very encouraged. He's going to play really good.'
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 18, 2015
Pagano: Hasselbeck. He's a warrior. He's a tough son-of-a-you-know-what.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 18, 2015
With starter Andrew Luck out at least another week, the alternative would’ve been 3rd-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst. While the veteran has had a few weeks to get acclimated into the Colts playbook and offensive system, Hasselbeck appears to be a much more proven option for the team all things considered.
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) in action against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Under Hasselbeck, the Colts have gone 4-2. While the 40 year old veteran has struggled in consecutive starts, he’s already beaten the Texans once this season in Week 5 during a 27-20 Colts win. In that start, Hasselbeck was 18 for 29 passes (62.1%) for 213 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a passer rating of 107.4.
The Colts also received some other encouraging news, as it appears that two starters in stalwart left tackle Anthony Castonzo and emerging inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman are also “probable” for Sunday’s game.
With Castonzo back in the fold, the Colts can shift his fill-in Joe Reitz back to starting right tackle, which makes the offensive line stronger overall as a unit as rookie right tackle Denzelle Good has struggled in recent starts. They could use the upgrade, as they’ll be facing a Texans defensive line that features All-Pro and reigning Player of the Year J.J. Watt.
Otherwise, Freeman has been incredibly stout against the run this season, so the team’s run defense should see an immediate boost in the middle of the field. Having already lost backup Nate Irving to a season-ending injury, the Colts were starting to get a bit thin at inside linebacker in Freeman’s absence.