Colts: Anthony Castonzo opting out would have been devastating for Indy

Colts LT Anthony Castonzo choosing to play in 2020 is huge news for Indy.

Whether you agree with it or not, reports confirmed this week that NFL players will have until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to decide if they will participate in the 2020 season.

Forcing a deadline upon players, all of whom will be taking on a great risk by traveling around the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, seems a bit harsh as it gives them minimal time to weigh the positives and negatives.

When it comes to Colts offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo, he conducted as much research as humanly possible on COVID-19 before making his decision. Fans in Indianapolis will be relieved to hear that the team’s starting left tackle will play this year, admitting that he approves of the safety precautions implemented by the NFL.

This is huge news for the Colts as we fully believe that they wouldn’t have been able to overcome Castonzo opting out, especially with Philip Rivers as the new QB in town. Stud guard Quenton Nelson might nab all the headlines (and understandably so), but the 31-year-old tackle is just as important to Indianapolis’ offensive line.

For the 2019 season, Castonzo earned a staggering 81.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, which was among the best marks for an offensive lineman. Across 1,076 snaps, he conceded just two penalties and three sacks. Think about how ridiculous that is. Rivers, an immobile, aging QB, won’t have much issue in what’s expected to be a clean pocket.

There’s a reason the Colts inked Castonzo to a two-year extension this offseason. Other than Nelson, he’s without a doubt their most important player. Expect the nine-year starter to put together another impeccable season at LT that fails to garner appropriate recognition outside of Indianapolis.

Make no mistake about it, folks: This is massive news for the Colts playoff aspirations.