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CBS Sports: Gosder Cherilus One of 32 NFL Players at ‘Career Crossroads’

By Luke Schultheis

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According to CBS Sports Joel Corry, the Indianapolis Colts Gosder Cherilus is one of 32 players who’s at a “career crossroads” for his respective NFL team:

"Indianapolis ColtsGosder Cherilus, OT: The Colts made Cherlius, who had offseason knee surgery, the NFL’s highest-paid right tackle in 2013 by giving him a five-year, $35 million deal containing $16.5 million in guarantees. The crown jewel of Indianapolis’ 2013 free agency class has yet to live up to his lofty contract."

While Cherilus was solid, yet unspectacular for the Colts in 2013, making all 16 starts, he battled a handful of injuries last season and was highly ineffective. In fact, one could make a strong argument that he was one of the worst starting right tackles in all of football:

There’s the sincere hope among Colts fans that a fully healthy Cherilus can provide the team with a reliable starting right tackle yet again, but the former’s health is a major question mark going forward.

Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cherilus has yet to participate in any of the team’s prior offseason activities, and there’s really no clear timetable for his exact return as he’s battling a knee issue. It’s been said that Cherilus could return as soon as August, but he’s questionable for training camp as it stands.

As an insurance plan, the Colts have been giving their normal starting left guard Jack Mewhort the reps at starting right tackle, who has prior experience at the position. However, a healthy Cherilus would figure to make the Colts collectively better as a starting offensive line, as it would keep Mewhort at more of his natural position at guard.

If Cherilus can’t regain most of his prior form, then he could be a significant candidate to become a cap casualty for next offseason, where his release would save the team roughly $4.1 million in cap space. Until then, the Colts will hope that the big man can get fully healthy and become a reliable bookend once again.

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