The Colts’ defense could be in trouble against Cleveland’s high-powered offense in Week 5.
The initial fear following the Indianapolis Colts’ win over Chicago in Week 4 was that they could be without a handful of key players on Sunday against a streaking Browns team, who are winners of three straight.
After a practice week that oozed ambiguous injury updates, head coach Frank Reich confirmed Friday that left tackle Anthony Castonzo (rib) and Darius Leonard (groin) will both miss out. You better believe their absences will be felt as Cleveland’s pass rush and rushing attack are both among the best in the NFL.
While we have faith that Indianapolis’ offensive line — assuming it doubles Myles Garrett early and often — will be able to manage without Castonzo, we unfortunately cannot the same for the defense, which could be down fellow starting linebacker Anthony Walker (ankle) on top of Leonard.
Reich told reporters that Walker was limited in practice on Friday and is shaping up to be a true game-time decision. The Colts are on a tear defensively, but we honestly don’t see how they will survive Cleveland’s star-studded offense if the 2017 fifth-round pick is sidelined.
Reich says LB Anthony Walker (ankle) was limited in practice today. He’ll be a gameday-type decision.
— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) October 9, 2020
Obviously the hope is Walker will be able to go against the league’s top run offense.
“The times that Darius (Leonard) hasn’t played, A-Walk has come up huge. I mean huge." https://t.co/eQQxGH91w2
For any fans wondering, yes, we we say that despite the fact that Browns running back Nick Chubb is out indefinitely with an MCL injury. Kareem Hunt isn’t your average backup, folks. We’re talking about a player who, prior to his off-the-field issues, was on his way to becoming one of the league’s most polished RBs. After struggling of the gates in light of his return from an eight-game suspension last season, the former Toledo star looks as dangerous as he did during his record-setting rookie campaign.
Through four games, Hunt has taken 50 carries for 275 yards (5.5 YPC) and three touchdowns, adding eight receptions for 42 yards and two scores through the air. Without Leonard and potentially Walker, we honestly don’t know if Indy has the horses to slow down Hunt and Cleveland’s overwhelming running game.
What’s more demoralizing than that? The fact that the Browns’ underrated aerial attack will welcome tight end David Njoku back for the first time since Week 1, after which he was placed on injured reserve with a knee sprain.
Colts have 2 starting LBs, Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker, working out on a side field during today’s practice.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 9, 2020
Bobby Okereke is practicing for a second straight day.
No sign of Anthony Castonzo — he’s missed all 3 days. Bet on Colts having to start LeRaven Clark at LT.
If anybody knows how the Colts’ depleted linebacking corps plans to contain the likes of Njoku and Austin Hooper, who caught 75 balls for 787 yards and six touchdowns in 2019, in two-TE sets, please let us know because we are out of answers.
We obviously don’t want Walker to play if his ankle is too banged up, but his absence could spell doom for the Colts in Week 5.
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