Colts: Jack Doyle update is real issue for Thursday night
By Jerry Trotta
The latest update on tight end Jack Doyle presents a big problem for the Colts ahead of Thursday night’s huge matchup against Tennessee.
Remember last month how we were continually warning fans about the Indianapolis Colts’ daunting November slate of games? Well, it expectedly announced its arrival in unwelcoming fashion on Sunday as the Baltimore Ravens rode a dominant second half performance to a convincing 24-10 victory on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium.
No matter whether you view it as a positive or negative, Indianapolis won’t have a ton of time to dwell on the defeat, as a primetime matchup against the division-leading Titans awaits on Thursday night.
A short week and a quick rebound might be just what the doctor ordered for the Colts, but the same cannot be said for players who got banged up against Baltimore this weekend. You know where this is going, right?
It pains us to convey the news that tight end Jack Doyle has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol, which makes it unlikely that he will suit up for the midweek showdown against Tennessee.
Colts’ TE Jack Doyle now in NFL’s concussion protocol, making it unlikely he will be able to play Thursday night vs. Titans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2020
In normal circumstances, Doyle would have a decent chance at clearing protocol in time for a Sunday fixture. However, the short week makes that task almost impossible, so the Colts should prepare to be without their stalwart TE, who’s admittedly been deployed as more of a blocking specialist than a pass-catching weapon this season.
Doyle suffered a blow to the head near the end of the second quarter while attempting to catch a truly audacious pass from Philip Rivers in between two Ravens defenders. Footage of the play shows safety DeShon Elliott launching his body at the two-time Pro Bowler and making clear contact with his helmet.
To say that we’ve seen flags thrown for A LOT less would be an understatement, and referees somehow decided that the vicious hit didn’t warrant a penalty. Unfortunately for the Colts, this wasn’t the only time in the game they were screwed over by poor officiating.
Isn’t this textbook example of illegal hit on defenseless receiver? Of course it is. pic.twitter.com/4lrtYUTyG1
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) November 9, 2020
That’s an egregious no-call, and it honestly gives us flashbacks to the illegal hit Doyle suffered at the hands of former polarizing linebacker Vontaze Burfict last season. This obviously isn’t quite on that level of dirty, but it flat-out sucks that it will probably cost the 30-year-old vet a minimum of one game.
Regardless, the Colts have been forced to battle through injuries all season long, so this discouraging update on Doyle is nothing they haven’t grown accustomed to.
