According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis has been cleared from the final stage of the league’s concussion protocol and will be set to start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers:
Was told by source #Colts cornerback Vontae Davis cleared concussion protocol today, meaning you should him to play vs. #Packers. That helps
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 5, 2016
The 28 year old cornerback was evaluated by an independent neurologist on Saturday and apparently was deemed healthy enough to play.
It’s worth noting that Davis was a full participant in practice for the Colts on Friday (i.e. with pads), having practiced on a limited basis just a day prior on Thursday.
Obviously, it comes as a major relief to the Colts secondary, who are set to face Green Bay Packers superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a prolific passing attack that features Jordy Nelson and potentially Randall Cobb–the latter who looks like a gametime decision.
The Colts defense will already be without starting veteran safety Mike Adams and really couldn’t afford to lose the secondary’s other reigning Pro Bowler, their shutdown cornerback Davis.
On the season, Davis has made 6 starts for the Colts–having missed the team’s first two games with an ankle injury, recording 16 tackles, 5 passes defensed, and an interception.
The 8th-year veteran remains the Colts best player on a defense that has so far struggled mightily this season–through no fault of Davis’ exceptional play.
While other defensive starters have been highly inconsistent, Davis is one of the few players on the unit, who can consistently be counted on to play at a high level–often shadowing the opposing team’s best wide receiver and ultimately shutting them down in the process.
It’s obviously a huge boost to the Colts secondary to have him starting at cornerback against the Packers and for their defense as a whole.