What Does the Loss of Reggie Wayne Mean to the Indianapolis Colts?

: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In the midst of their biggest regular season victory, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a terrible loss.

The air went silent at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday night, when future NFL Hall-of-Fame receiver Reggie Wayne went down with an injury. Wayne reached down for a low-thrown pass, and stepped awkwardly on the turf. Wayne tumbled to the ground, and began clutching his right knee. On a night where Indianapolis fans were in a frenzy over the return of Peyton Manning, they also had to see one of their other most-beloved players go down.

Wayne suffered both a torn ACL and a torn meniscus in his right knee, and will be out for the remainder of the season. This injury not only affects the 2013 season for Wayne and the Colts, but may be an issue for Wayne’s career. There’s no doubt that Wayne will do everything possible to return to form as soon as possible, but it all depends on what his body will allow itself do to.

As for the Colts, they will now focus their sights on receivers T.Y. Hilton and Darrius Heyward-Bey. One of these two will have to try and fill the top spot for the Colts, unless Indianapolis decides to bring in some new help. Indianapolis now has LaVon Brazill back on the roster, following a four-game suspension, and he should be expected to see more targets as well.

One way or another, the Indianapolis Colts have some big shoes to fill.