The Indianapolis Colts announced today that they have placed starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus on Injured Reserve, effectively ending his season. The 7-year veteran started 13 games for the Colts this season at right tackle. However, he’s been battling a groin injury as of late, as well as some other various physical ailments.
It apparently was enough that Cherilus was deemed no longer fit to play this season. He had missed the last two games of the regular season for rest purposes, but the groin injury has not improved enough where Cherilus will be ready to go in the foreseeable future. The team opened up a roster spot by placing him on Injured Reserve, as it promoted offensive guard David Arkin from the practice squad in a corresponding move for depth.
With Joe Reitz participating in practice on Wednesday, it looks as though the offensive line will have a suitable reinforcement on the right side of the offensive line. Reitz is listed as the primary back-up to Cherilus on the team’s official depth chart at right tackle and could be the starter against Cincinnati. However, it’s worth noting that the team started its normal left guard Jack Mewhort at right tackle last weekend versus the Titans with both Cherilus and Reitz out, so he could be a possible candidate at right tackle as well.
After a pretty good 2013 season, Cherilus has struggled mightily this season. It could be a direct result of his injuries, as he hasn’t been nearly the same player this season. According to ProFootballFocus, he leads all offensive tackles in most QB Hits allowed with 15 despite only playing in 13 of the team’s regular season games. His -16.8 grade overall this season is significantly worse than his +7.1 grade overall in 2013.
The Colts will have to hope that a healthier Gosder Cherilus in 2015 means a better Gosder Cherilus. An offensive lineman that is closer to the bookend right tackle they saw in 2013. In the mean time, it’s once again, “Next Man Up!”
