The Indianapolis Colts released their official team injury report Wednesday, and their two starting cornerbacks did not practice today.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) celebrates as he leaves the field following the game against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Both Vontae Davis (knee) and Greg Toler (groin) sat out today’s practice with injuries. It comes after a Divisional playoff win, where each played exceptionally well against the Denver Broncos’ wide receivers. While it’s likely just to rest them up for this weekend’s AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, the Colts defense simply cannot afford to lose either.
Targeting Toler, Peyton Manning was 5 for 11 for 49 passing yards and an opposing passer rating of 58.5. He fared even worse throwing at Vontae Davis, as he was 5 for 11 for 21 passing yards and an opposing passer rating of 52.2 per ProFootballFocus (subscription). It’ll be interesting to see how each manages against Tom Brady‘s passing attack come Sunday.
Both Davis and Toler were incredibly physical at the line of scrimmage against the Broncos wide receivers and were brilliant in press coverage. Their physicality this past Sunday may have taken its toll on this week’s injury report regarding the two starting cornerbacks. Still, they’ll be expected to play in a similar fashion against the Patriots once again.
Other Indianapolis Colts who were listed on the injury report were starting inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who sat out for rest purposes, but should be good to go on Sunday. Also, starting outside linebacker Erik Walden was limited with a knee injury, but is readily expected to play in what will be the Colts’ biggest game of the season to date.
Overall, the Colts injury report looks pretty good, as Davis and Toler are likely being held out merely as a precaution in anticipation of Sunday’s game. Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano believes this to be the case as he said, “They’ll both hopefully be back on the practice field tomorrow”.
Dec 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) is congratulated by cornerback Greg Toler (28) after breaking up a pass against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports