Colts defense to be at full strength against Texans

The Indianapolis Colts got some much needed good news coming out of the bye week. Going into a Divisional matchup against the Texans, the Colts will have Geathers and Leonard back per the team site. 

Clayton Geathers and Darius Leonard have passed all league concussion protocols the team site announced this morning. This gives a boost to the depleted defense which defeated the Chiefs last Sunday Night.

Leonard has been missed since after the Titans game in week 2 when he started to develop concussion symptoms after the game. Leonard has been a defensive powerhouse since he was drafted and subsequently won defensive rookie of the year in 2018.

The second-year linebacker is the leader of the defense and helps keep the rest of the defense in place during gameplay. Leonard was able to get into practice on a limited basis during his three weeks out, but could never pass the tests to play in-game time action.

Clayton Geathers is back as a starter. Geathers brings a mental toughness that elevates everyone on the defense to play better. Although he didn’t play in the Chiefs game, he played in all the snaps in the Raiders game (67) on defense.

Frank Reich talked to Colts.com’s Matt Taylor on his podcast and mentioned his excitement to get his players back:

"“Two key leaders. Darius, obviously, he’s the vocal, emotional leader, right? And Clayton is just a backbone of that defense, (with) his mindset and toughness. So getting both of those guys back is a big lift for our defense.”"

Other notable injuries are:

Malik Hooker still hasn’t taken to the field yet, but head coach Frank Reich is optimistic he can take the field soon. Having Hooker on the field also elevates the play of the defense. The second-year player is a playmaker and a ball hawk. His speed gives Matt Eberflus more room to gamble with blitzes and secondary disguises.

Coach Reich also mentioned Parris Campbells‘ status of returning:

"“(We’ve got) some good news, and making good progress. Not sure with him as much (returning this week), but keeping things optimistic. But … we’re really encouraged with the direction he’s heading.”"

The Colts team defeated the Chiefs without many of these players and if it’s one week they can have them back, it’s against an AFC South opponent.