Colts Injury Report: 7 Players Inactive; 4 Colts ‘Questionable’

While the team has already ruled out 7 players for Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts have also listed 4 other players as ‘questionable’ against the Tennessee Titans including CB Darius Butler (calf & hamstring), S T.J. Green (knee), OG/C Jonotthan Harrison (illness), and WR T.Y. Hilton (hip).

However, it appears that both Green and Hilton will play, as both players were full participants on practice Friday and should be healthy enough for Sunday.

The Colts also received some other encouraging news, as nickelback Darius Butler was a late addition to the practice field on Friday–ultimately participating on a limited basis, having not practiced all week prior.

Along the offensive line, it’s unclear whether Harrison will be healthy enough to play on Sunday, but the Colts could assuredly use the additional interior offensive line depth with starting left guard Jack Mewhort already ruled out with a tricep injury.

Otherwise, the Colts have already ruled out the following 7 players as mentioned:

"DE Henry Anderson (knee), TE Dwayne Allen (ankle), WR Phillip Dorsett (foot & hamstring), DL Zach Kerr (ankle), OLB Curt Maggitt (ankle), OG Jack Mewhort (tricep), and WR Donte Moncrief (shoulder)."

Obviously, Mewhort’s name highlights the list, as the 3rd-year offensive guard is arguably the Colts best offensive lineman and an anchor on the left side for a unit that has already struggled protecting starting quarterback Andrew Luck–though through no fault of Mewhort’s.

In his absence, expect rookie offensive guard Joe Haeg to slide over to left guard, while veteran right tackle Joe Reitz should be re-inserted into the starting lineup in his old spot.

The Colts are about as banged up at their skill positions as the offense has been all season. Already with Moncrief out, the Colts will now also be without both Dorsett and Allen.

Fortunately, Jack Doyle has played well as the team’s 2nd tight end so far this season and should hold his own just fine when featured in a more prominent offensive role. However, the Colts will still miss Allen’s blocking prowess, which will be more difficult to replace than his receiving game.

Additionally, the Colts have gotten promising play from undrafted rookie Chester Rogers, who could be poised for a breakout game this Sunday as the 2nd wide receiver alongside T.Y. Hilton–replacing Dorsett.

It’s at the team’s 3rd wide receiver spot where there are bigger question marks, whether it be recently promoted fellow undrafted rookie Tevaun Smith from the team’s practice squad or even 3rd-year veteran Devin Street–who has yet to catch a pass for the Colts.

Otherwise, the Colts defensive line depth will be tested. With Kerr missing a consecutive week, the Colts will now also be without Anderson, who’s one of the team’s best defensive lineman.

Expect recently reinstated defensive lineman Art Jones to be featured more, while both young defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway and T.Y. McGill should receive more reps in Anderson and Kerr’s absence.

It’s not an ideal situation for a defensive line that is facing the Titans, who rank 3rd in the NFL with 146.7 rushing yards per game and feature workhorse DeMarco Murray–the league’s 4th leading rusher with 526 rushing yards. Not to mention, a rushing attack that also has bruising rookie running back Derrick Henry (6’2″, 247 pounds) always at its disposal off the bench.

Lastly, the team will be without key rotational pass rusher Curt Maggitt, who is out with an ankle injury. It’s worth noting that the team claimed Lavar Edwards off waivers earlier this week to provide some additional depth at outside linebacker.