The Indianapolis Colts’ secondary suffered a significant blow in Sunday’s 49-27 win over the Washington Redskins, as their shutdown cornerback in Vontae Davis was forced to leave early in the 3rd quarter after suffering from concussion-like symptoms. He did not return, and the team soon ruled him out with a concussion.
Nov 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) called for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Fortunately for all parties, Vontae Davis was able to safely walk off the field on his own power. He remained sitting out on the sideline briefly before quickly heading back to the Colts’ locker room for additional tests and treatment. His loss was immediately felt, as within a few short plays later, the Colts’ defense and his replacement Josh Gordy surrendered a 42-yard touchdown pass to Redskins’ wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
The defense had just gotten its other starting cornerback, Greg Toler, back from a concussion after he sat out the previous weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s uncertain whether Vontae Davis will be able to pass the NFL’s league concussion protocol in time for next weekend’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
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On the afternoon, Davis had 2 tackles and 2 pass deflections. If he’s able to go next weekend, he’ll likely see a lot of Browns’ recently reinstated star wideout Josh Gordon, who will be playing in his 3rd game back from suspension after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. It’s uncertain who will be throwing at Davis; however, as Browns’ starting quarterback Brian Hoyer was benched this weekend for hyped rookie Johnny Manziel early in the 4th quarter against the Buffalo Bills because of ineffectiveness.
Manziel finished 5 for 8 for 63 passing yards, including a 10-yard touchdown run with 8:47 left in the 4th quarter that was the Cleveland Browns’ only touchdown score of the day. If Manziel ends up getting the start next weekend versus the Colts, the rookie would be smart to not target Davis in the secondary. The Colts’ talented young cornerback has been among the NFL’s best cornerbacks this season and has made opposing quarterbacks pay.