The Indianapolis Colts host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Both teams sit at 1-2 and have injuries at key positions heading into the divisional grudge match.
For the Colts, 12 players appeared on the injury report this week. Defensive tackle Arthur Jones (ankle) and linebacker Jerrell Freeman (hamstring) will both miss tomorrow’s game. Offensive guard Hugh Thornton is also out with an ankle injury.
For the Titans, quarterback Jake Locker is listed as questionable with a wrist injury. He didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was very limited on Friday. It is looking more and more like he won’t play on Sunday and Charlie Whitehurst will get the start.
Colts Injury Report
Safety Colt Anderson – Questionable, groin
Cornerback Darius Butler – Probable, neck
Cornerback Vontae Davis – Probable, ankle
Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton – Probable, ankle
Guard Joe Reitz – Probable, ankle
OLB Andy Studebaker – Questionable, hamstring
Cornerback Greg Toler – Probable, ribs
OLB Erik Walden – Probable, knee
A number of veterans were given Wednesday off as well. None of the probable players missed more than a day of practice and some were limited on Wednesday.
None of the new injuries are particularly concerning, but it is clear that not everyone will be at 100-percent on Sunday.
Titans Injury Report
Linebacker James Anderson – Probable, thigh
Defensive end Ropati Pitoitua – Doubtful, knee
Tight end Taylor Thompson – Doubtful, knee
Tight end Delanie Walker – Questionable, shoulder
Starting left end Pitoitua was limited on Wednesday and then didn’t practice the rest of the week. He has played very well this season and is the team’s best run stopper. Not having him makes an already bad run defense much worse.
Not having Walker would be a huge blow to the Titans passing attack. He has been far and away the best receiving option for the Titans and coupled with the possible loss of Locker could take away any threat of vertical movement.
That said, coach Ken Whisenhunt was optimistic about Walker playing. He was limited on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable in case he has a setback before tomorrow.