Injury Update: Darius Butler’s Status for Sunday Already in Jeopardy
The injuries continue to pile up for the Indianapolis Colts at cornerback, as nickelback Darius Butler‘s status for Sunday night’s game against the Houston Texans is already in serious jeopardy entering the week:
"“Darius Butler, there late in the game, unfortunately fractured a finger,” said head coach Chuck Pagano on Monday. “He’s going to have surgery tomorrow morning. They’re going to put a plate in there, so his availability for this week is obviously already in jeopardy.”"
It’s a significant blow to the team’s secondary, who just had Butler return this past Sunday–having been previously held out the two games prior because of a hamstring injury.
Butler played well against the Bears in coverage and his return this weekend had made veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie expendable, who was released earlier last week.
However, with both Butler and starter Patrick Robinson nicked up at cornerback–the latter who has a groin injury and is officially ‘day-to-day’, it looks like the Colts secondary depth will be significantly tested once again.
However, it’s worth noting that backup cornerback Rashaan Melvin played well in relief of Robinson, including a huge forced fumble with 3:38 left in the 4th quarter and tight coverage late in the game:
Special mention for CB Rashaan Melvin. Key forced fumble on Meredith and was in coverage on Bears' final 4th down. Played big off the bench
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 9, 2016
Rashaan Melvin again on the coverage. He's had a huge final three minutes. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) October 9, 2016
Melvin will likely be called upon to play a significant role should either one of Butler or Robinson ultimately be unavailable for Sunday night’s game against the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that wide receiver Donte Moncrief is still ‘week-to-week’ with a fractured scapula and has not yet reached his initial 4-6 week timetable for recovery:
"“(Donte) Moncrief is trending in the right direction,” said Pagano. “He’s doing better.”"
It would be pretty surprising if Moncrief actually returned this weekend, as it looks like he’s at least another week or two from reasonably returning. Once again, backup wide receivers Quan Bray and Chester Rogers should fill-in as the team’s 3rd wide receiver for at least one more game.