The Indianapolis Colts are beat up physically and emotionally after their bye in week four. Aside from having to take the field without their head coach Chuck Pagano, the Colts find themselves still stricken by injury as they prepare for a home game against the Green Bay Packers.
The main injury concerns for the Colts come from the defensive side of the ball. The Colts still have questions with their starting linebackers and secondary players. Facing one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL could be difficult if the Colts can’t get healthy.
Defensive end/linebacker Dwight Freeney was hurt early in the week one loss against the Chicago Bears. Freeney has been back at practice this week, and might play on Sunday. Freeney’s presence would be a huge boost for a defense that has struggled in his absence.
Linebacker Pat Angerer has been hindered by a broken foot since the preseason. He, as well , has been practicing this week. Angerer, who led the team in tackles last year, would be great for the team if he was at full speed. The question is, what is the status of the injury? “I’ve been out there running a little bit,” Angerer said to the media. “I haven’t been at full go yet, but I feel good.”
One of the most important parts of the match-up between the Colts defense and the Packers offense is the Indianapolis secondary against the Green Bay wide outs. The Colts secondary is possibly the thinnest, most injured, and most exposed aspect of this young team. Starting defensive backs Vontae Davis (ankle) and Justin King (groin) both went down in the fourth quarter of the Colts’ last game. Both players have been held out of recent practices, and their status for Sunday is uncertain.
The Colts will come off of their bye week with fire and passion. Passion only takes a team so far. If the Colts aren’t healthy, then it could be a long day against Green Bay.